Wednesday, May 25, 2011

May 22, 2011


This past Sunday we were privileged to honor Mrs. Marilynne Burnside with a retirement reception. For the past 25 years Miss Marilynne has given Magnolia Heights’ students her very best. Her love and devotion for her students was witnessed on a daily basis. Whether comforting a little one who missed their mom, to making sure that everyone was on task, Miss Marilynne was always there. With her kind sweet smile, and the fact that she knew the names of all her students, Miss Marilynne always had a way of making sure you knew you were part of her family – the Magnolia Heights’ family.

Miss Marilynne started her 25 year career at Magnolia Heights as a 4 year old kindergarten teacher. There she, along with Miss Linda (Mrs. Linda Adams), taught the children the love of learning. Reading, writing, arithmetic and yes even recess – would all be worked on each day. By the end of the year, they were ready to graduate to 5K and learn the fundamentals that would serve them well through elementary school and beyond. Each year as she tearfully hugged each one, and most of the time they hugged back – she beamed with pride at how much they had learned and changed. Everyone else could see how much they enjoyed school and loved their teacher.

A few years later, and after many miles back and forth to “the school in Oxford” as she put it (Miss Marilynne is a big Bulldog fan), she earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and was named Elementary Principal. She served in that capacity for some 22 years and during her leadership Magnolia Heights’ elementary grew to unprecedented heights. A capital campaign was even undertaken to build new classrooms for the growing enrollment and MHS became a model for others to envy.

She would continue working with her students even in their high school years through golf, a game she dearly loves. She taught the boys, and a few girls, to respect the game and to develop skills that would serve them well – in high school and into their adult lives. She promoted junior golf with the same fervor and devotion used to teach 4 year olds how to read. You see, Miss Marilynne was a teacher and whether golf or reading - Respect, Knowledge and Skill were always stressed, no matter the task.

I had the privilege of both of my boys going through kindergarten and the elementary grades under her leadership. They not only knew they were loved, but would also be asked to give their best effort no matter what the endeavor. And you know – boys will be boys!
It has been said time and again that a true teacher touches the future each day. Hundreds of children will go on to be fruitful and productive citizens because of Miss Marilynne. There are only a few teachers, or for that matter people, that you never forget, and Miss Marilynne is one of those. We wish her well in her retirement and know that she will always be a Chief and will always be loved by all of us at Magnolia Heights.

Miss Marilynne we love you and wish you well – God Bless You….

May 20, 2011

Last Thursday night forty-nine seniors received their diplomas from Magnolia Heights. All forty-nine seniors in the class received a college or university scholarship. The total for all scholarship recipients was over $3 million. Among the forty-nine seniors were two National Merit Finalist and thirteen Mississippi Eminent scholars.

Commencement speaker Samuel Hong, a 2007 Magnolia Heights graduate and a 2010 graduate of Emory University challenged the students and all in attendance with an inspiring address of how God’s grace is always sufficient and how it has impacted his life as he prepares for Emory Medical School and continues his research into defeating Cancer. Sam’s address to the Class of 2011 can be found by clicking this link. We were also honored to have Sam’s parents here from South Korea to hear his address.

What an evening for Magnolia Heights – alumni making a difference in the world and a brand new class ready to begin their quest to be the best they can be. Thank you Sam and good luck Class of 2011!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

May 5, 2011


What a night for our seniors!

Last night was our annual Senior Awards Night. Each year we take a special evening to honor our seniors prior to their graduation. It’s our way of giving special significance to their honors and achievements, but also serves as a challenge to the junior class to accept the mantle of leadership for the upcoming school year.
What a year our seniors have had academically! Eleven students earned Mississippi Eminent Scholar status (29 or above on ACT), two students were named National Merit Finalist, and a dozen were selected for honors’ programs at colleges and universities across the nation. The average ACT for the class was over 23 (a true average because all MHS students - all 49 of the seniors - must take the ACT). There are 49 students in the Class of 2011 and all 49 received a college scholarship! Over $3.5 million in scholarship dollars were offered to the Class of 2011! What a testament to their hard work and their parents’ sacrifice to afford them a Magnolia Heights education. And what a testament to the outstanding job of Mr. Keith Godbold, Director of College Admissions, and the entire Magnolia Heights faculty, staff and administration.

It was truly a great night for everyone and congratulations Class of 2011!