This week has been hard. I am saying goodbye to a school and a team that I have been a part of for the past 15 years to begin a journey in a new district. Making this transition has caused me to reflect on the impact we have on students, teachers, and others as an administrator. It is a bit overwhelming to consider the number of human lives that have been touched by my influence - both positively and unfortunately negatively - over the past 15 years. To be quite honest, it is those influences and people that make it so hard to walk away.
As I get to the end of this chapter in my career and life, it is my sincere hope that Monett High School is in some way better than it was 15 years ago and is primed for even greater success in the next 15 years. As a team, we have undertaken many initiatives, had great discussions, laughed, cried, agreed, disagreed, and pondered. I hope that through each of these individual moments we have made MHS a better place for kids and have continually improved in preparing students for their future.
I want to say thank you to all the people that have and still currently work with the kids in this building and district. You are the reason this place is special, not just to me, but to this community and to the kids that are served here. The passion you display for serving kids on a daily basis is inspiring. The openness you have to try new things is energizing. The patience you have, both with students and your leader, is appreciated. The creativity you display in solving problems and developing learning experiences is fascinating. In short, each of you, whether a teacher, secretary, counselor, custodian, cook, etc., make up the heartbeat of this awesome school. Thank you for making it a living, thriving organism.
I cannot express enough the gratitude my family and I have for the way in which you, as individuals, a school, district, and community, have supported us through many difficult personal times. God placed us here for a reason and I believe that a large part of that reason was that he knew what trials we would face and that we needed a supportive community for those trials. He sure has provided that support - and for that we are eternally grateful.
While leaving is difficult, I know that the kids at MHS are in good hands. I have no doubt that for years to come MHS will continue to be a leader among schools because of the people that are here. I wish you success, peace, prosperity, and happiness. You deserve it!
It has been a great journey, one that my family and I will cherish for the rest of our lives.
Thank you faculty, staff, students, and patrons of Monett High School. Deep in my heart, I will always be at least part Cub!
