Thankful

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Although it is important to do throughout the year, the Thanksgiving season has a way of reminding me about the things I am thankful for—both personally and professionally.

I am thankful for the people in our school community who stepped up and helped those in need during Hurricane Harvey. I appreciate the continued support and assistance from individuals and faith-based organizations for the families that lost so much during that devastating storm.

I am thankful for the courageous veterans who have protected this country for 241 years. Service men and women like Cypress Creek High School 2005 graduate Kevin Jensen, husband of Cypress Ridge High School counselor Jessica Jensen. I recently learned of Kevin’s heroism as he saved his captain’s life following an IED explosion in Afghanistan, and I was incredibly proud of his representation of our country and CFISD.

I am thankful to have great parents who set a positive example for me and continue to do so. They have been married 64 years. I take great comfort in knowing that in my 57 years on this earth, they have prayed for me every day.

I am thankful for my school family, who through some of our most difficult times as a school district continue to support me and send kind notes that make a difference.

I am thankful to work with a Board of Trustees whose every decision is based on how they can best help the students and staff of the CFISD community—a group of men and women who believe that all children should have a chance to be successful.

Finally, I’m thankful for three outstanding children who have made me proud for the past 32 years, as well as four beautiful grandchildren who bring me joy every time I see them. I am blessed to be able to spend Thanksgiving with all of them. 

Sometimes we can lose sight of how blessed we are. Certainly, things are not perfect and could always be better. In the grand scheme of things, however, to live in this country and experience the freedoms we have is a blessing that only 5 percent of the world’s population enjoys.

I encourage you to take a moment to count your blessings, as well. Enjoy your Thanksgiving break and I’ll see you back on Nov. 27!

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.