Warren County Middle honors academic achievement

Students, faculty, family, and members of the community gathered to recognize the students of Warren County Middle School last night for their achievements in the classroom this year. Awards were also presented to the teacher-of-the-year, parapro-of-the-year and parent-of-the-year.

Many students from the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades were awarded certificates and medals for their accomplishments in reading, attendance, academic standing, and behavior. Jessica Wynn took the top honor for highest average for the year among 6th grade students. Receiving the same honor for the 7th grade was Demashawn Clark. Top honors for the 8th grade went to Krystle Wilburn.

Honors night also provided an opportunity to showcase the improvement made by both the WCMS choir and the WCMS band. The choir, under the direction of Warren County graduate and Freeman Elementary School parapro Kenvoris Blair, delighted the audience with two selections which included Believed. Band director, Scott Richardson, showcased the talents of the Warren County students when they took the stage. "Most of these students had never played an instrument before this year", stated Richardson. The band evoked a thunderous round of applause from the audience with their final selection of the night, I Will Follow Him, from Sister Act.

Keynote speaker, Schrendria Robinson, then delivered an inspirational address to both students and parents on what it takes to succeed. Robinson, a native of Norwood and a Warren County graduate, owns her own company that specializes in board development and training, non-profit development, grant writing, team building, and staff development. She challenged the students to "rise to the level of your competition." She also reminded them that "your competition is more than the student sitting in the row next to them. Your competition is more than the students one county over. In our global society, you are truly competing with students from all over the world." Robinson further stated, "In order to succeed in the face of so much competition, you must do your best every day."

Ms. Cynthia Lewis was honored for the Teacher-of-the-Year for Warren County Middle School for her work in the classroom as well as her work in training other teachers in the use of new educational strategies. Ms. Bonita Neeley was named Parapro-of-the-Year for WCMS. Ms. Neeley is always there when needed and fills a number of assorted roles within the school.

The final award of the evening was reserved for a very special person. The Parent-of-the-Year award was presented to Johnnie Mae Hudson. Mrs. Hudson is actually the grandparent of WCMS student Shkebia Griffin. Ms. Hudson took over the role of parent for Shkebia upon the untimely passing of her daughter, Connie Griffin, last year. Hudson was praised for her dedication and commitment to insuring that Shkebia gets the best education possible. Hudson addressed the audience after receiving her award and said, "I simply try everyday to do for Shkebia what my daughter would do if she was still with us."