Houston County Schools kick of new year with ‘Smartt’ address
By TERESA SETTLE NORRIS
Tennessee Express News Writer
Last Friday, July 25, employees with the Houston County School system dressed up for the annual kick-off breakfast at Houston County High School. The event serves as both a recognition of last year’s service and as a motivational “Go-Get-‘Em” speech to get the year off to a great start.
Employees wolfed down a buffet-style breakfast in the commons area as they chatted about what seemed like a short summer. Then they gathered in the HCHS forum for words from Director of Schools Cathy Harvey.
Harvey kept things brief by saying, “It takes everyone in this room to make up our system,” before recognizing departments specifically, including: bus drivers/transportation, night security; adult high school and alternative school; coordinated school health; family resource center; food service; and school nurse.
Harvey said there have been a few changes in the above departments. For instance, Jimmy Hughes has been named Transportation Director, with Bobby Day returning as Assistant Director. Sandy Shortt and Brenda Bryant are returning with Coordinated School Health, which was a new program last year. Betty Clark has been hired as the new school nurse.
Harvey also recognized school board members and commissioners for their role in Houston County Schools. School Board Member Kendall Felts was present at the breakfast.
Then it was time for the principals to report any changes in their schools. First off was Erin Elementary School Principal Elaine Hewitt. She introduced a new clerical assistant, Tammy Deason; a new first grade teacher, Billy Sue Lemmons; fourth grade teacher Brenda Hall; guidance Kathy Seay; and said the new P.E. Coach had been hired but was on his honeymoon.
Tennessee Ridge Elementary School Principal Judy Stephens introduced fifth grade teacher Laurie Cooksey; second grade teacher Angie Baggett; first grade teacher Nicole McMillan; preschool paraprofessional Kayla Stone; and new custodians Daniel Cox and Todd Ross.
At Houston County Middle School, in one of his first new jobs as principal, Ray Busey introduced teacher’s assistant Allie Stephenson and new librarian Kanina Davis.
New-Principal Linda Jolly bragged about her staff at Houston County High School, stating, “We are a team here, working together.”
She introduced her new librarian, Susan Hendry, who transferred from HCMS after the retirement of long-time HCHS librarian Helen Uffelman. Other new HCHS teachers include: Carrie Howell, Social Studies; Barbara Lynn, Art; and Teacher’s Assistant Sassy Rye, along with Greg Dillard.
At the central office, Harvey said there has only been one change this year. Malcolm Jernigan, who she said has worn many different “hats” over the years with the school system, has been named Director of Teaching and Learning 9-12, where he will assist the high school with the new curriculum standards, etc.
Next, Harvey introduced the speaker for the ceremony, Lisa Smartt.
Smartt, who hails from Dresden, began with a very humorous account of her drive from Dresden to Erin, beginning at 5 a.m. When she mentioned the current “one-lane” bridge, she had everyone rolling in the aisles.
“It is a joy and a privilege to be here,” Smartt said. “I want to pay homage to everyone of you in this room. I know it’s not an easy job, and it’s getting harder every year.”
Smartt kept the audience riveted, even after she stated, “I have no qualifications for being here, but isn’t that refreshing!”
As a motivational speaker, Smartt said, “I’m not an educator. Both of my parents were life-long teachers, and they cured me of that desire!”
She proceeded to pull out a bag of goodies as “door prizes,” and she handed them over to Mrs. Faye Schmidt, who this year celebrates 45 years of service with Houston County Schools.
When Schmidt happily took the squash and no-salt beans presented to her, Smartt said, “See her happy attitude. If you want to be here 45 years, you better start taking notes!”
In all of her anecdotes about naughty kids, school, mashed potatoes, and bus drivers, Smartt got a serious message across when she quoted Proverbs 17:22. “A merry heart is good medicine.”
Smartt said there are three “Joy-Drainers” to avoid during the upcoming school year.
Joy-Drainer #1. Lack of Gratitude;
#2. Lack of Forgiveness; and
#3. Gossip.
On the flipside, she said there are three Joy-Bringers:
1. Thankfulness;
2. Freedom to be flawed (by telling the truth if you mess up); and
3. Being a balcony person.
On the last point, she was quoting from a book entitled Balcony People by Joyce Landorff Heartherly.
Balcony people will cheer you on, while basement people will be negative and critical.
“Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle,” she said.
At the end of her talk, Smartt got a standing ovation for her light, funny, and uplifting message.
Finally, it was time for the recognition. Members of the school calendar committee got certificates (and a little laugh about last year’s Memorial Day mix-up), then service awards were given as follows:
Ten years of service in Houston County: Lisa McCarson, Amy Ross, Terri Singleton, Barbara Skelton, and Ann Tiffany.
Fifteen years: Jamie Bruce, Norma Cherry, Sue Craver, and Darla Mahoney.
Twenty years: Carolyn Barker, Alice Clark, Marian Dunn, and Robin Hammer;
Serving for 25 years were: Beth Abrams and Lynn Mobley.
30 years: Dixie Clemmons
35 years: Cathy Harvey (Director of Schools); and
45 years: Faye Schmidt.
Teachers retiring from the system were also recognized: David Bell, 29 years. Bell was not present, because he has gone to work in Kentucky schools. Fonda Hancock, 24.5 years; Nancy Nave, 22 years; Steve Phillips, 6 years in Houston County, but 30 years in Tennessee. Helen Uffelman, 31 years; and Sylvia Vinson, 31 years.
Support Staff of the Year Awards for the 2007-08 school year went to Teresa Roby and Jerry Beechum at Erin Elementary School and Suzette Whitaker at Houston County Middle School.
Last, but not least, Jeff Rye with Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative gave out the Teacher of the Year Awards. These coveted awards went to:
EES—Lisa Finley;
TRES—Dixie Clemmons;
HCMS—Nicole McCollough; and
HCHS—Marian Dunn
With the kick-off breakfast behind them, Houston County School are gearing up for the first full day of school, Wednesday, Aug. 30… Don’t miss the bus!!!