Motivational speaker Jenny Nolen of Cullman and the Rev. Todd Reaves of Mignon Baptist Church spoke to the attendees. Both touched on the topic of how important teachers and other school staff could be in children’s lives.
Sylacauga High principal Matt Hubbard said Nolen’s message of “The Seven L’s” resonated with him and others.
“It was fantastic,” Hubbard said. “She incorporated humor into it and real-life examples that educators could relate to.”
Nolen told people to “Look, Listen, Learn, Laugh, Lean, Let-Go and Love.” Her overall message was to bring optimism into the workplace.
Superintendent Renee Riggins said the speeches by Nolen and Reaves both talked about going beyond classroom education to meet every need of students. Reaves told the story of “Teddy,” a shy student who lost his mother at an early age.
Teddy was befriended by a teacher when he was a child. He later went on to success in life and formed a lifelong bond with the teacher, asking her to sit with his family at his wedding.
“Both of them talked about making a difference in the lives of children,” Riggins said. “Be at least one child’s favorite teacher.”
Several School System employees were also recognized. Administrators introduced new teachers and honored staff with 20 years of service time.
Mayor Sam Wright and City Council president Jim Heigl also attended the meeting. Hubbard said the day set the tone for what he hopes will be a great school year.
“It was probably the best in-service that I can remember in the 15 years that I’ve been here,” he said.
Contact Matt Quillen at mquillen@dailyhome.com
