On page 380 in John Grisham’s book, "The Runaway Jury," it states: "The jurors took their seats. They looked tired, but then all jurors did at this point."

Perhaps this is the way that many of the students, parents, and school staff felt as they came into the Northwest Mississippi Community College Coliseum at Senatobia. Just the same, they all were able to laugh, cry, and reflect on what had helped them to reach this momentous goal.

We could mention the numerous scholarships that were given by Rust College, Ole Miss, University of Memphis, Northwest Mississippi Community College, Delta State, Alcorn State University, and Jackson State, but let’s just talk about the drive back on Highway 51.

It was a good feeling to think about being acknowledged as the Teacher of the Year at North Panola High School. In my years of teaching in Georgia and Alabama, I have never been considered for such an award in my work. Truthfully, I didn’t know that our principal was going to call my name until she did during the graduation ceremony. I was totally surprised.

It was easy to think back to 12 years ago when I first drove over to Batesville to talk with an administrator about a teaching job. She was interested in my helping them with a fifth grade position, but the North Panola School District offered me a job first. Thus, I have continued to sign a contract with them for the past dozen years. This year I have continued to work at the high school as a resource teacher.
The security person at Northwest Mississippi Community College said that he could identify which high school a student comes from by the type of attitude that he or she exhibits. He bragged on the Coldwater principal. He said that she did a lot better than the male principal.

Thus, it reminded me of our new principal Lucinda Carter. She has really made some improvement in attitudes in her first year as principal at North Panola High School. Someone is going to have some big shoes to fill next year, because she will be moving to the assistant superintendent position.

I appreciate being considered for the award, too. It made the drive back down to Como and Sardis a lot better. Then, as I pulled off at the BP station in Batesville, I started to really think about this past year of school.

From No Child Left Behind to after school programs and sports activities, we all have been very busy this year. Having a supervisor who wanted everyone to contribute in the war on ignorance mission was helpful in many ways, though.

As we close out the 2006 school year, I hope that the students will have a brighter future because of the team educational efforts that were made in the land of Highway 51. Yes, the land of the Cougars is sometimes a challenging one, but this is what makes life interesting.

If this was my last year as a Cougar, I wouldn’t want it to end in any other way, but hopefully my path with the Cougars will last for several more years. Our hats are off for the students of 2006. "Live long and prosper," said Leonard Nemoy.

Do that please.