The Voters League of Itta Bena took some time to recognize teachers and their importance of their profession Wednesday night.
Samuel Sago spoke in honor of the teachers. Rickey Hill, the dean of graduate schools at Mississippi Valley State University, was scheduled to speak but was unable to attend.
“I thank God for every one of you in this noble profession,” Sago said. “Where would we be if we didn’t have teachers?”
Sago urged the teachers to strive to teach as well as they can. He reminded them that even if no one else appears to be listening, there may be one who will.
“Imagine how Barack Obama’s teachers must feel,” Sago said. “A part of what he has done and accomplished has been the result of teachers.”
Sago told the teachers they should do their jobs with heart and tenacity.
“You have to do what you do for more than a paycheck,” Sago said. “Your job is a calling. Not everyone can do what you do.”
Leflore County High School Principal James Alexander said the word “teacher” encompasses more than just the leaders of a classroom.
“We are all teachers,” Alexander said. “Everything we do is teaching. I encourage everyone to look at the teacher inside of themselves.”
Alexander said the community must work together to educate youth, because opportunities for learning can come from anywhere.
“We need to connect with the community,” Alexander told the teachers and audience. “They are the other teachers in these children’s lives.”
