Let me first say that I am honored to represent the students, families, and employees that make up this School District.  I am always so proud to say that I am a member of the Clay County School Board, but sitting on the stage at this year’s Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year Ceremony really brought it all into perspective.  To be surrounded by such a dedicated group of people, in a wide variety of jobs who contribute to the care and development of our students, is an awesome feeling.  The energy and passion these and all of our employees exhibit on a daily basis is laudable.  Believe me when I say there is a lot of learning, growing and maturing taking place all across our school district and every person, large or small, young or old, is greatly appreciated.

This includes our many, many volunteers who donate hundreds and hundreds of hours in our schools every year.   At the January Board meeting, we recognized this year’s Outstanding Volunteers of the Year, including Regan Brackin who volunteers at numerous schools in the district, as well as the Adult & Community Education Department.  Regan is this year’s Youth Volunteer of the Year.  Shannon Bray is the Adult winner.  Ms. Bray volunteers at Swimming Pen Creek Elementary where she helps keep the Media Center up and running.  We have just found out that Ms. Bray is also the Adult Volunteer of the Year for Florida’s Region 2.  Dr. Virginia Hash could not be with us at the meeting, but Dr. Hash spends hours upon hours volunteering at Doctors Inlet Elementary where she helps keep a Science Lab in working order.  She assists teachers with instruction, and she has now formed an after-school science club.  Congratulations to all three women.

Finally, I want to congratulate all of our schools on this year’s grades. The district rankings recently released by the state put Clay at #13.  Some consider the #13 to be unlucky, but remember several successful sports figures have worn the number 13.  Alex Rodriquez began wearing it upon joining the New York Yankees.  Dan Marino, who is known for passing the 3rd most yards in NFL history, wore the number 13. Basketball great Wilt Chamberlain wore the number 13 on his jersey throughout his NBA career.  Remember also that there are 13 cards in a suit, 13 colonies formed the United States, and 13 leaves on the olive branch.  So, it might not be such a stretch to see fortune in what others see as unlucky.  We are certainly fortunate in Clay County!