It was truly my pleasure to shake the hand of each senior that made his or her way across the stage of graduation this past weekend.  What a thrill to see their face as they completed the educational journey that began so many years ago.  I stood there reflecting on the number of lives your child has come into contact with over the course of their journey here in Walker County Schools.  The classroom teacher that instilled that desire to investigate, explore or maybe just take apart.  The coach that brought to life the idea of being a good sport, a hard worker and the value of setting and achieving goals.  Could it have been that school administrator that many times seemed like the heavy, but always had their best at heart.  Possibly that counselor who always had on a smile that lifted their spirits and let them know they could make it another day.  I’m sure it was the bus driver that smiled as the door opened and successfully navigated the rain and fog (and sometimes the snow) so they arrived safely at school each day.  I, personally, always appreciated the ladies in the lunchroom with their huge smiles and that good, hot meal to get my day started off on the right foot.  No matter which one had that influence or where the exchanges took place, you can see the number of personal interactions that each child will have during one day in school.  Now multiply that out over a thirteen-year period and the positive impact felt while in school grows exponentially.  Just consider the following example; if a child receives 5 positive interactions each day during a normal 180-day school year they would hear a positive and uplifting message being reinforced by the adults around them more than 11,700 times during their school career.

Our mission is to ensure all students graduate; ready for college, ready for work, ready for life.  These personal exchanges all validate and confirm the message we send each day as we strive to guide each child toward the goal of becoming a high school graduate.  I hope that each senior can fondly remember some of these positive interactions and how this encouraged them to continue down the path to graduation.  Please join me as we celebrate with our graduating class of 2013.

I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing summer break and returns ready for school on August 27.

Mr. Raines

Reach for the Stars ISS- WRCB TV

LaFayette Middle talks with ISS- WDEF TV

Walker County Schools Begin New Year- Walker County Messenger