The Pride

I love the new Willard Choir T-Shirts. The new shirt shows a printed list of quotes that have been stated about the program. The top quote is from Barry Hinson, Coach of the Missouri State University Basketball Bears, it states: “I came looking to recruit a basketball player and I left wanting the choir!” We have an incredible choir, however I don’t write this simply to brag on them. It is tough to be a teenager. Most are trying very hard to find a special place where they can join together with a team of others and strive for success. I believe Willard does an exceptional job of creating many different opportunities for kids to be a part of something great. At Willard you are not only “cool” if you play sports. At Willard it is “cool” to be in the band, drama, speech and debate, FFA, FCCLA, FBLA, ROTC, etc… Academic programs are clearly the most important aspect of our job as a school. However, I believe if we focus 100% of our attention and energy on MAP, ACT, and NCLB, we may lose something along the way. One of the greatest points of learning with our extracurricular and co-curricular activities is to learn how to work as a team. Teammates have to ask themselves if they are willing to sacrifice personal success for the betterment of the team. This week a young man on our football team chose to help the team by playing offensive guard instead of running back. From personal experience, I know that guards never get the same level of recognition as running backs. However this week the team needed him to be a guard. I believe this young man understands what it takes to be a team member. I believe the better we understand this concept the greater the chance of success!

Kent  

Dr. Kent E. Medlin

Superintendent of Schools