I talk and write a lot about perfect strangers that I observe or briefly interact with in this journey of mine. I'm not sure where this natural curiosity comes from. I guess it's some form of "people watching". And the first time I can ever recall intentionally watching people to watch people: me and my Grandmom was in the parking lot of the Montgomery Ward in Augusta, GA. She and I would point people out walking here & there across the parking lot - - and make up stories about them. The most vivid part of that memory is how we'd laugh together about the stories we made up. Out and out belly laughs that nourish your soul, no matter the age. While making my Mom laugh is still number 1 in terms of my favorite things to do in this life - - making Grandmom laugh was near the top of the list. She could really get going, too. When I joined the Air Force, I subscribed to my hometown's newspaper online. It was a little bit of comfort food for me. The Aiken Standard was a bit skinny in its content back then - - and still is now - - so I'd read every page. And one thing that I got in the habit of doing forever ago is reading obituaries. Strange right? But let me tell you: not only have I learned new things about friends and loved ones in my own circle - - but I have found some of the most incredible people & their journeys - - folks I never would have an inkling of - - by reading through the occasional, very well-written obituary. "Scott, do you really want to tell folks that you enjoy reading obituaries?" I'm thinking exactly that as I type this. However, on the other hand, if I'd never made it a point to read obits from my hometown and home state newspapers, then I'd never have known about countless exceptionally interesting characters, business people, and leaders. Including Dr. William E. Dufford, the pride of Newberry, South Carolina. Population 10,790. Just days before his 100th birthday, "Bill" recently passed away in late September after living a truly remarkable life. A World War II veteran. An educator. A principal and superintendent. A courageous leader who helped guide the integration of South Carolina schools during one of the most challenging chapters in our nation's history. Bill's accolades are too many to list here, but they include the Order of the Palmetto, which is the State of South Carolina's highest civilian honor. Every so often, that badge of high honor is placed on the chest of a richly-deserved recipient, instead of friends of friends of political friends. And after decades of profoundly-impactful leadership, this agent of change returned to the classroom to teach mathematics. Because in his heart of hearts, what Bill seemed to love most was teaching our children. What struck me most wasn't his impressive list of accomplishments. Rather, it was Bill's character, his passion, his patience and his commitment to serving others - - which insofar as I can tell, this was all rolled into Bill's understanding of what really matters in life. As we all know, there are far too many distractions. Consider these words from Dr. Dufford: "If you wish to become a teacher, then you really must be a compassionate person who truly likes people. And you must know that if you take the right and courageous stand, there may be some uneasy moments from time to time. But if you are standing for the right issues and doing the right thing, there will always be a place for you as a teacher. You may not be able to change the world, but you will have an impact on those with whom you come into contact." I've read that quote several times now. In fact, since initially reading his obituary about a week ago, I've come back to it a few times because I find it to be so compelling. Not only does it remind me of the Silent Generation that we owe such a great debt of gratitude to, but it also reminds me of so many of my own teachers that never were paid or treated like they should've been. But they loved their job. For many, it was certainly their calling. And I'm so much better off due to this extraordinary sacrifice that so many of our professional educators make. There is such a palpable sense of servant leadership and humility in Dr. Dufford's story. It reminds me that real leadership isn't about titles, authority, recognition, awards or paychecks. It's about people. It's about service. It's about action & outcomes. Having the courage to stand for what's right. And it's about leaving others better than you found them. I never had the privilege of meeting Dr. Dufford. But I'm grateful to have stumbled across his inspiring, yet humble story. And I'm grateful to have had some "Dr. Duffords" in my life. What an extraordinary impact they have on our world, one student at a time. Rest in peace, Dr. Dufford. Thank you for a life so well lived. You've made your state & your fellow South Carolinians very proud. We sorely need more Bill Duffords in our world, folks. That's the way I see it, at least. And there's arguably no higher compliment that can be paid. #southcarolina #leadership @EvanKirstel @RobTiffany @sallyeaves @BevEve @Cory_Colorado @v_vashishta