Students at Fletcher High School had the opportunity to meet the Vice President of the United States, Joseph Biden, and U.S. Department of Education Secretary, Arne Duncan. Students, teachers, parents and community members gathered in the school’s cafeteria to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Vice President Biden spoke on the influential topic of post-secondary education and the options students have to assist them in attaining their desired education. He vehemently stressed the importance of earning a college degree, stating that the unemployment rate of individuals with a bachelor’s degree is half that of individuals without a degree. He focused on the drive to make post-secondary education more affordable and more equitable for those individuals seeking loans or electing alternative methods of payment.

 Vice President Biden also reminded the students that they are our future and that one of them could become President of the United States, a major computer software programmer or the person to discover a cure for cancer. Students were encouraged by his words and expressed their appreciation with several standing ovations.

“We are honored that Vice President Biden selected one of our schools to visit and provide words of encouragement to our students who are embarking on a vital time in their education,” said Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals. “It is imperative that our students are able to engage in opportunities such as this to reinforce to them how important the education of this generation is to the future of our country.”

Following his speech, students had the opportunity to address Vice President Biden with questions pertaining to the payment of post-secondary education, the position he played on the football team at the University of Delaware and funding for education in our state.

“I am impressed with the compelling, perceptive questions and positions that my students presented to the Vice President of our country,” said principal Dane Gilbert. “This visit will instill in these students motivation to set goals for themselves and determination to meet and exceed those goals as they now realize they can make a difference in our country.”

Superintendent Pratt-Dannals, School Board members, district staff, and other community and organization dignitaries were present for the event.