Ironton residents probably don’t think too much about how lucky they are to have a choice in the type of education they can give their children.

Sunday, January 30, 2000

Ironton residents probably don’t think too much about how lucky they are to have a choice in the type of education they can give their children.

After all, the city has a good public school system, so Ironton’s Catholic schools might not be a possibility you think about unless you happen to be Catholic.

But even if your children don’t attend private schools, Ironton’s educational system is that much better because of the cooperation, encouragement and success of the city’s Catholic schools.

When there is a good private school system, public schools have to work a little harder. Excellence breeds excellence. Ironton is lucky to have two fine school districts within its limits – one with a religious base and another that is strictly secular – and two systems that share the goal of providing.

Ask any teacher or administrator in the city’s Catholic schools and he or she will tell you that those schools would not be nearly as strong without the support of the parents who have worked so hard to raise money, paint, repair and otherwise encourage continued growth and success.

Ironton’s Catholic School System is a perfect example of what a difference a group of people can make if they believe in what they are doing. As Catholic Schools Week begins, the community should celebrate that hard work and dedication.