"Living the Mission"

I don't watch much television, but when I do, I like it to be meaningful and applicable. Cathy and I have enjoyed the first two seasons of The Chosen and have begun the third. In this series, the primary character, Jesus, relentlessly pursues the mission. Obstacles, or opportunities for growth, are constantly hurled in His path. In all, He remains steadfast and truthful to the cause. He is kind, compassionate, and caring for all. He displays meekness, strength under control in all that He does. His walk is consistent and constant. He lives His purpose, and He lives the mission.

Over a week ago, ninth-grade students were allowed to perform community service. The Class of 2026 will be the first of whom 50 hours of community service is required to graduate. Together, students, Central Office personnel, and City officials picked litter from our beaches, cleaned the dog park, washed city vehicles, raked yards, weeded flower beds, and planted flowers for those community persons in need. After a picnic on the greens of the Coastal Arts Center, students engaged in many team-building activities. As tasks were completed, students were given clues to the system’s mission (see this issue’s cover photo).

The mission of Orange Beach City Schools is to provide a K-12 results-based experience that focuses on the whole student, one that incorporates challenging academics and skills acquisition, strong character development, and solid citizenship, which will build our next generation.

Though the community service day was not filled with academics and skill acquisition as most, character and citizenship were discussed, exemplified, and cultivated. “Walking the talk” must become routinea daily effort. The system’s four pillars of student achievement, skill acquisition, citizenship, and character development must remain our primary focus. As educators, parents, and community persons, our responsibility is to create conditions and an environment optimal for living the mission.

As we close out our inaugural school year, I encourage you to be vigilant in that resolve and remain steadfast in our pursuit of excellence.