Will Fitzhugh created a publication called The Concord Review many years ago. It publishes excellent student historical research. If you read these history papers, you would think that some of them had been written by scholars with many degrees. It is amazing the quality of work that students can write when they have the motive and the opportunity.

Over the years, Will has written often about the importance of encouraging students to work hard and to take academics seriously. He created a “National Writing Board” to promote student research and writing. He speaks about “varsity academics.” He knows that when students have the chance to see their work published, they are inspired to do their best.

One other thing about Will. He quit his regular job as a history teacher to create and produce The Concord Review. This is a publication created and sustained by his passion. He has tried repeatedly to get money from foundations and has been turned down again and again. He has sought government grants, but no interest there.

Here is a fine sample of his work as a writer and thinker. Will reminds us that if students don’t do their best, teachers can’t make them.

Teachers know this. Parents used to know it. Only our nation’s policynakers think that teachers are solely responsible for what students do or don’t do.