Cohen, Daltrey, Andretti, More Oil Congratulate Farmington Woods School For 20 Years Of IB Status

It’s getting tougher and tougher for Americans to find high-paying, good jobs, what with artificial intelligence, automation and a steady influx of exceptionally qualified foreign competition.

Many wealthy U.S. families send their children to private schools, which include Choate Rosemary Hall (Connecticut), Trinity (New York) and Groton (Massachusetts), to help increase the kids’ chances of admission to elite colleges, then, after graduation, secure the best entry-level jobs at blue-chip firms. Tuitions at these institutions are exorbitant, though – around $40,000 per year – and often the fee doesn’t include room and board.

What to do, then, if you’re not wealthy? Good public primary and high school educations are a must. That means, if you can, choose a state and county where the public school system excels, even though it’s often more highly taxed. Within that, some schools are also labeled “International Baccalaureate,” institutions which push further than most, exposing students to an international curriculum and encouraging critical thinking at an early age.

This year, Farmington Woods Elementary School (FWES) in Wake County, North Carolina, celebrates 20 years of IB status. Recognizing the distinction, four well-known achievers from different walks of life, and from different ethnic backgrounds, were gracious enough to produce inspirational videos congratulating FWES on its big anniversary: Mario Andretti, Sasha Cohen, Roger Daltrey and USAF Maj. Michael Brewer.

“Quality teachers and administrators are basic to success later in life, wherever students are from and whatever their backgrounds might be,” says Andretti, the racing legend who emigrated from Italy and who has won the Indianapolis 500, Daytona 500 and Formula-1 World Driving Championship. “Find something you love to do – my passion was racing – keep that fire in your belly, and you can accomplish great things. I’m proof that you can live out your dreams.”

Cohen, who won the ladies silver medal for the U.S. in figure skating at the 2006 Torino Olympics, and whose mother came to the U.S. from Ukraine, echoes Andretti’s sentiments in her video, adding that, in addition to attending a good school, students need to work hard, and be patient. “In my skating life,” says Cohen, “I’ve literally fallen thousands of times, but have always gotten up, pushed ahead. Later in life, as a Columbia University graduate, Morgan Stanley employee and mother of two, I’ve kept to that mindset. It works!”

Daltrey, The Who’s iconic lead singer from Great Britain, and a founder of the Teen Cancer America charity, is equally passionate about the younger generation as are Andretti and Cohen. “Today’s youth is the backbone of tomorrow,” he says, “and have social and psychological needs specific to their special age group. At Teen Cancer, we help ensure that the physical and emotional health of the group can continue whilst being treated for cancer. I applaud you at Farmington Woods for the good work you do with their educations.’’

Finally, there’s Brewer, a USAF F-15 and F-16 combat fighter pilot (call sign: Thorny) and former Thunderbirds air show participant. Brewer is part Chinese, and started flying when he was just 17. “Now I have the honor of passing my expertise on to my four boys, who are about the age of your FWES students,” he says. “None of what I’ve done would be possible without a solid education, just like the one you’re receiving. The knowledge you gain today will only fuel your curiosity for tomorrow. Thank your teachers.”

Winston Pierce, principal at Farmington Woods, and Mark Beamish, vice principal, have both been at the school for most of its 20 IB years, contributing greatly to its success.

Brewer probably sums it all up best. ‘‘Remember, if you get a good education, and turn your passion into a career, you will never work a day in your life.”