Convocation ceremony motivates all
The Marlin Independent School District convocation ceremony on July 31 housed a number of individuals ready to take MISD to the next level this upcoming school year. The ceremony was filled with recollections, recognition, and motivation in order to encourage staff members to be ready to take the upcoming year to the next level.
Dr. Darryl Henson opened the ceremony by recognizing a number of teachers for 20 or more years of outstanding service to the district. Those staff members are as follows: Amos Brown, Angela Hefelfinger, Angetta Lynn, Bobbie Milton, Claretto Manigo, Cody Wilton, Judy Morrow, Kathy Crear, Kesha Watson, LaTonja Taplin, Linnette Stricklin, Marshall Higgins, Mary Randolph, Mary Robles, Marye Jackson, Nancy Wilson, Patricia Brown, Patricia Woodson, Rockney Terry, Rose Mallard, Rosie Stance, Rufino Jamarillo, Steve Johnson, Tamika Washington, and Thelma Vasquez.
Henson also recognized that the staff members who are Marlin ISD graduates, noting that more than 50 percent of the full staff are graduates of the district they now serve in.
He gave large thanks to the factions of staff that have stayed the course through the coronavirus pandemic, both during the previous school year and throughout the summer. These staff members have been vital to analyzing the situation, creating action plans, and making it possible for the newfound plans to be implemented while still dealing with the current state of affairs.
The educator recollected his first step towards teaching, where his passion for the profession was found at eight years old in a classroom. He began teaching other children and realized how much he enjoyed it. The anecdote received many laughs and light hearted chuckles from the audience.
He reminded those in attendance of the procedures for the first six weeks of school, which will prepare students for The Take Off. The first two week will be remote instruction, followed by two short weeks to begin reintroducing students to the classroom. Digging into the curriculum will begin the following week, preceding the sixth week, labeled “The Take Off.”
Henson emphasized that the district administrators will be there for staff, students, and the community as needed and reiterated that the same will go for staff supporting their students and families during the time of transition and throughout the school year. He asked that those recognized for their dedicated service spread their knowledge where needed.
“Sometimes the young might have the energy, but the veterans know the way,” he said during his speech. “The veterans have the wisdom to keep us out of trouble and pitfalls.”
Plans for renovation and a renewed focus on literacy was introduced, leading into the commencement of the convocational speaker, Dr. Demetrius Hill.
Hill is currently the principal of Belmont High School in Dayton, Ohio, and was one of Henson’s mentors in his youth. The two quipped back and forth, Hill making jokes about sharing personal stories. Hil recognized city of Marlin officials in attendance as well as Dr. Henson and the Board of Managers, all of them for their support in making the impending year a success.
The bulk of his speech was centered around the subjects of dedication, hard work, and the self commitment to excellence.
“Excellence is not a skill. Excellence is not a talent,” Hill declared. “Excellence is an attitude.”
The speaker emphasized that evolving with the times is the only way to keep up with the world’s improvements and bring education (and educators) to that level.
“If you don’t evolve then the outcome will be more of the same,” he said.
Hill spoke to inspire hope in staff for the upcoming year and to instill confidence in them that they, as educators, would be able to handle the task at hand. He noted the strives that Dr. Henson has made throughout his career and spoke on the importance of having a leader who thinks ahead.
“He’s a fast talker because his mind is moving and moving and thinking about ways to improve the outcomes,” Hill spoke of Henson.
The 2020-2021 school year will begin on Aug. 17 with remote instruction, with teachers and staff working to further the education of their students both on and off campus. For more information on Marlin ISD, The Take Off, or the district’s reopening plans, head to marlinisd.org.