What is commonly displayed in school,
what is celebrated in that glass case in the lobby,
are the remains essentially of a “kill”
not all that different from a safari hunter’s
stuffed and mounted lion’s head.

These trophies may give school spirit a collective
boost, but I’ve never found any inspiration in them.
In general, I’m not motivated by other people’s successes,
least of all someone from a generation ago.
There’s nothing in these displays to think about:
nothing but appeals to nostalgia.
I’d recommend melting them all down for salvage money,
but most of them are plastic anyway.

If teaching takes responsibility at all
for lighting a fire or inspiring emotional engagement,
then the evidence of our passions must improve.

I take inspiration from shrines:
a product of dedication and celebration and respect.
That seems exactly the right approach to communicating
not just answers but also tantalizing questions
that might strike a chord with our kids.
Not temporary and hastily prepared displays,
but enduring demonstrations that get richer with time.