A new day dawns

A new era begins

This day, today

Built on a vision of kindness and civility

Passed from hand to hand, heart to heart

Past becomes future, a rhythmic drumbeat,

Carried on each heartbeat

Student by student by student

Today we hear the drumbeat

Of Respect

Of Integrity

Of Diversity

Of Teamwork

Of Ethical Leadership

Of Creativity and Innovation

Of Advocacy for all learners

The persistent advocacy of education that matters for one, for all

Passed from hand to hand, heart to heart,

Teacher to teacher, drummer to drummer, leader to leader

Here and now

Karen Sakata, your moment is our moment

From there to here, you’ve traveled well

Following your passion with strength and compassion

Listening loudly to each child in need

Lifting the spirit, spreading the word

Drumbeat by drumbeat, heartbeat by heartbeat,

Walking the true path and leading with love

Photo credit: Susan Tripp Pollard, Bay Area News Group