There was
no graffiti on any of the walls and the facilities were second to none.
Despite the open relationship the students have with their teachers we
found the discipline to be of a very high standard. We got on really well
with all the students in the schools. We found them to be very open, friendly
and enthusiastic. The students were of all different backgrounds and nationalities
and all had the same bubbly enthusiasm. They seemed to mix in quite well
with one another. They expected us to have red hair and rosy cheeks and
were humoured to know that we have other hair colours in Ireland. The
curriculum was quite unusual in that it was very broad. Subjects like
social studies, Latin and drama were on the course. School begins at 7.30am
and ends at 2pm. The sports there are segregated into three categories:
Varsity, Junior Varsity and Reserve. These are not split by age level
but by ability. So if you are a fifteen-year-old that is really good at
football you could be on our equivalent of the senior team ie. the Varsity
team. Among the sports played there are: basketball, (of which Creighton
university did quite well in for the all American University championships
in beating Florida in the first round), American football, wrestling and
soccer but no GAA! What a pity as we were dying to show them a trick or
two. There is more of an emphasis on playing for the school rather than
for the club as is here in Ireland. People play for the clubs after they
leave school. All in all we found visiting the schools quite enjoyable
and informative as to the way the education system works in America.
The highlight
of our tour was being made honorary citizens of Nebraska. This is the
highest honour that can be given to any visitor of Nebraska. We were presented
certificates at the city council on our last official day in the city.
Very few people have been awarded this over the years. The certificates
we received were all endorsed by the Mayor of Omaha and the Governor of
the State. It was quite an occasion. We were also made Admirals of the,
"Great Navy of Nebraska". Seeing Nebraska is an inland state this too
was a prestigious honour. We have a plan to invade Canada soon and we
will be returning to command our own vessels.
We feel with
the twinning there are a lot of job opportunities for the people of Naas.
With the openness and enthusiasm of the people of Omaha we are certain
it would be a pleasure for anyone to work there.
Omaha will
be setting up its own Youth Parliament soon. Currently there are student
councils in each school. Mayor Mike Fahey is getting together a delegation
to put down the foundations for this to happen. The Mayor was impressed
with our way of doing things in Naas and wants to implement this in Omaha.
Our trip to
Omaha was one of a lifetime. We thank all involved in making this happen
among them, Mayor Willie Callaghan and Councillor Timothy Conway and Mayor
Mike Fahey and James P. Cavanaugh. The above mentioned are but the select
few that made it all happen. To mention all would be to write for an eternity.
The return
journey will be made in late July where the people of Omaha
will enjoy the experience of being in Ireland and mostly in twinning with
our great town of Naas
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