Sonny gets inducted into the JMHS Wall of Distinction

On April 29, 2018, a group of 14 graduates from James Madison high school , starting as far back as the 1930s, were inducted into its “Wall of Distinction’”. Those inducted on this occasion Joined those previously honored. Including Bernie Sanders, Chuck Schumer, and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, and five Nobel laureates! This group, that I was part of, included several who were older than I am, and whose qualifications far exceeded mine.

Left to right, top row: Dr. Howard Pollack, Dr. Charles Debrovner,

Dr. Leslie Libow, Dr. Sylvia Kleiman Fields, Dr. Robert Meadows,

Dr. Kenneth Glassberg. Bottom row: Dr. Richard Gitlin,

Dr. Jeffrey Gordon, Sonny.

My brief remarks, I noted that

JMHS is a public high school in a middle-class area. At a time when there seems to be downplaying of public education and turning toward charter schools, I think it well to note that, as James Madison wrote, ”education is the true foundation of civil liberties.” While there certainly is a role for charter schools, America has always looked toward public education to gird our democracy. In the 1800s we created the land grant colleges; In the 20th century the GI. Bill of Rights.To the extent the Wall of Distinction draws attention to how successful public education can be. I am pleased to be present.

Here is the complete video of my remarks by videographer Steve Merkel.

Before the ceremony there was a reception where I had the chance to meet and greet those that attended.