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By Erin Smith
Excitement was in the air at West Bladen High School, as Bladen County Schools teachers and staff gathered for the annual Convocation service. Returning teachers, new teachers and staff were acknowledged during the well-attended event.
Bladen County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Robert Taylor, spoke about the accomplishments from the 2017-18 academic year. The first success Dr. Taylor spoke about is the establishment of the Bladen County Early College. The Early College is a partnership between Bladen County Schools and Bladen Community College.
The second success Dr. Taylor spoke about is the graduation rate which is 89 percent. The graduation rate at West Bladen was 88 percent and the graduation rate at East Bladen was 93 percent.
He acknowledged all of the teachers and staff in attendance. Dr. Taylor said each person at every school, at every grade level has a role to play in whether or not a student graduates from high school.
“I talk to other Superintendents and I ask them about their graduation rates. They say ‘We’re at 81 or 82 percent.’ Look where we are,” said Dr. Taylor.
He also encouraged the teachers to continue to strive to encourage students to graduate.
Dr. Taylor also set benchmarks for students eating breakfast and lunch that is offered at school. These meals help to prepare students for the school day, according to Taylor.
Bladen County Association of Teachers Assistants President, Evelyn Graham spoke. She encouraged everyone to remember they have the opportunity to change the lives of the students in their classrooms.
“Grow from the sound [of] wisdom that you have acquired, and share that knowledge you have acquired with the new TAs that you have at your school,” said Graham.
The 2018-19 Bladen County Schools Teacher of the Year, Johnathon “Jay” Raynor, of East Bladen High School spoke about the difference a teacher can make in the life of a student.
“We as educators are always quick to deflect the praise and pats on the back. It’s not about us, we just do what we do,” said Raynor.
He shared his own experience of being a student, and many feelings or “bricks” that he carried with him in his life. Raynor said those feelings came about due to the divorce of his parents. Raynor recalled his feelings of anger, fear, hurt doubt, pain and anxiety. He explained he carried those with him to school each day. He explained that when he arrived at school, those emotions started to weigh him down. Raynor said his teachers helped him.
“Because of you, this is why I am who I am, and why I do what I do. You helped me remove my bricks from my bag,” said Raynor.
He reminded those present, they too, can help a student to remove the bricks from his or her bag.
Peggy Hester, the 2018-19 Principal of the Year for Bladen County Schools also spoke. She stressed to everyone present that “what you do matters.”
“Whatever you do, it matters. Every day, it matters,” said Hester.
She stressed that what matters most is what happens in the classroom.
“Our jobs come with great challenges. Whatever it is that you are facing, wherever you’ve been moved to this year, whoever comes through your door next Monday, what you do matters and you were placed here for a purpose,” said Hester.
She reminded the teachers that they are making a difference in the lives of the students in the classrooms each day.
Rev. Jason Williams with Foundation Bible Church gave a rousing invocation and shared his own personal story about the difference teachers made in his own life. Rev. Williams shared how he was on the wrong path in high school, and the difference his resource teacher made as she volunteered her time to assist him.
“Never forget the influential opportunity before you,” said Rev. Williams.
There was a 50-50 raffle conducted by the Bladen County Association of Educational Office Professionals, which was won by Principal Teresa Coleman. The funds raised go to support scholarships for East Bladen and West Bladen students.
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