Vision/Mission Statement Committee Members met on Tuesday, March 5, to develop statements that will represent Russellville Independent Schools. Next Generation Leader Representative, Lu Young, was the keynote speaker for the evening. She presented to the group about the purpose of a vision tag and mission statement. A vision tag is a short phrase that inspires a community to dream of an ideal future. A mission statement is a long concrete statement that inspires people to take action for the dream to become a reality. Ms. Young applied it to her household stating that it wasn’t just something she wanted for the Russellville community, she wanted it for her grandson, just like every parent that wants their children’s school to promise them a quality education. Panther traditions are what make Russellville Independent Schools shine. Committee members agreed that building upon the foundation of what others have established for students is the best way their perspectives can be accustomed to the appropriate actions our district needs. Throughout the evening, the committee members gathered into groups and used an analytical process to determine what they individually wanted the vision tag and mission statement to convey. The voiced ideas were broad and wide, covering all topics. The abundance of representation in the room was a highlight of the event. Sometimes our school may run into a few hiccups, but there are many people in the school system and community working together to make it right. Those attending were: O.J. Stapleton, Editor, News Democrat & Leader; Kenneth Edmonds, Russellville Police Department; Marie Gamble, Community Member; Jean Reynolds, Community Member; Jeremy Bivins, Teacher, Russellville Junior Senior High School; Becky Faenza, Classified Representative, Russellville Junior Senior High; Miranda Devore, Teacher, Stevenson Elementary School; Amanda Wade, Classified Representative, Stevenson Elementary School; Ben Bruni, Principal, Russellville Junior Senior High School; Robin Cornelius, Principal, Stevenson Elementary School; Michele White, Transportation Director; Tracy Naylor, Russellville Ready Coach; Kasie Mason, Teacher, Russellville Preschool Academy; Christina Hankins, Classified Representative, Russellville Preschool Academy; Davonna Page, Member, Russellville Board of Education; Lu Young, Facilitator, UK Next Gen; Dr. Steven Moats, Assistant Superintendent; Bart Flener, Superintendent; and Matthew Williams, RHS Public Relations Student Intern.
(Article & picures by Matthew Williams)