Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Thankful

It's hard to believe, but the first semester is almost gone, and Thanksgiving is upon us, with Christmas just around the corner. As always, we have been incredibly busy. I suppose that's what makes time go by so quickly. However, Thanksgiving always reminds us to be thankful of our many blessings - many that we are aware of, but many, many more that we aren't.

We are especially thankful for our students, new and returning. We are at our highest enrollment in five years (620). The opportunity to work with young students is truly a calling, and our teachers see their job as more of an avocation than a vocation. We are essentially training the young adults of tomorrow, and no one knows that better than our faculty, staff and administration.

We are thankful for our athletic success this fall. Our softball and varsity football teams advanced to the playoffs, with our softball team advancing to the state championship series. Several of our student-athletes have already committed to continuing their athletic careers on the collegiate level. Our cheerleaders were selected and will participate in the Macy Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City! Our basketball teams are all off to fantastic starts and look to be in the thick of the conference and state championship races. Boy's soccer is also just around the corner and our guys have been working really hard looking to be competitive in their respective division. Our girls' soccer team showed remarkable improvement from last year and finished their season strong. Special congratulations also go to our fall sport's MAIS AllStars: Miranda Crouch (soccer), Abi Gibson (softball), and Matt Womack, David Herrington, and Travis Beam (football).

We are thankful for the recent designation of Magnolia Heights as an Apple Distinguished School for the 2014-2016 school terms. Only 350 schools worldwide are designated by Apple for this honor. To be chosen, a school must demonstrate an exemplary learning environment for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. Apple will be on hand later this year to commemorate our selection in a special ceremony.

We are also thankful for the service and giving opportunities. Go Jim Go received over $1000 from MHS for LeBonheur Children's Hospital. This money was raised by the Interact Club, who sponsored a t-shirt and jean day for the students. FCA is once again participating in Operation Christmas Child and collecting shoeboxes for distribution worldwide.

Finally, we are so thankful for the dozens of grandparents who came out for Grandparents Day. We also acknowledged the veterans in the audience and celebrated and honored their service to our country. We had a great day honoring our grandparents' legacy and love.

I hope that you have a blessed Thanksgiving Holiday. Please spend time with your family and count your blessings as well.