An American Icon to Address Students

The following is a work of fiction. Any similarity to actual events is, um, purely coincidental.

On Tuesday morning, via the Major League Baseball website and ESPN, New York Yankees' shortstop Derek Jeter will address school kids across the country, encouraging them to work hard, set goals, and do their best to make a difference in society.

Last week, when Jeter and the Yankees publicized this event, school districts and parents expressed their enthusiasm and gratitude. "The idea that someone so well-known and publicly respected is willing to take time from his unbelievably busy schedule to talk directly to students, well, I think that is truly inspiring," said John Smith, a superintendent in Southern California. "Our district is making it mandatory for all teachers to show his speech in class."

Parents have been equally supportive. "Not only am I glad that my fifth-grade son is getting to see this," said Mary Jones from Decatur, Illinois, "but the principal has opened up the school library so even our preschool kids can hear what Mr. Jeter has to say. This is something they'll remember for the rest of their lives."

On his nationally syndicated radio show, Rush Limbaugh supported Jeter, saying, "This one is just a no-brainer. I mean, who on earth could possibly believe that an American icon like Jeter sending a message of encouragement to the youth of our nation is a bad thing? Jeter is to be commended for using his celebrity status in such a positive manner."

Because Jeter is bi-racial -- his father is African-American, and his mother is Caucasian -- his message is expected to have an even greater impact. Students of all races can easily identify with Jeter, specifically because he can't be pigeon-holed according to any perceived ethnic expectations. Indeed, Derek Jeter embodies all that is good in every American citizen.

On Tuesday, millions of students are expected to tune in and according to the Yankees public relations department, this is part of what Mr. Jeter will have to say:

"No matter what you want to do with your life — I guarantee that you'll need an education to do it. You want to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a police officer? You want to be a nurse or an architect, a lawyer or a member of our military? You're going to need a good education for every single one of those careers. You can't drop out of school and just drop into a good job. You've got to work for it and train for it and learn for it.

And this isn't just important for your own life and your own future. What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country. What you're learning in school today will determine whether we can meet our greatest challenges in the future."

Major League Baseball, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Education, has also created lesson plans and a videotape for teachers to use after their students listen to the speech. One suggested activity is for students to write a letter to Mr. Jeter, sharing with him their goals for the future. As an incentive, the Yankees will send an autographed Derek Jeter baseball card to all students who participate.

Thank you, Mr. Jeter, for doing your part to support education in America.