Letter to the Editor - High achievers come out of east, south sides of town, too
November 20th, 2009
These thoughts have been on the “back burner” of my mind since this past June when I attended the reunion at George Washington Elementary School on East Main Street. There were many former students, parents and a few former teachers, including Mrs. Bennett.
The reunion was well planned, well managed, well attended and a good time was had by all. Most of those attending toured the old classrooms which are well kept but underutilized, even though there are still some young people still being educated there.
As we walked down the hallways looking at the classrooms memories flooded my soul. Not only my children attended there but also five of my grandsons. Two of them teach in Durant schools and two in Tishomingo.
As I visited with some attendees, there were several teachers, those who have served in the armed forces (two of those grandsons I mentioned are Navy veterans). I talked with one of our own highway patrolmen and a state representative, no less. We have administrators in education, directors in large businesses and a lawyer. I know of two ministers; one founded a church many years ago, which grew into a large church that he still pastors, with associate pastors. We have nurses, mechanics, hair dressers, and business men and women — all great achievers.
Oh, by the way, Jay Paul Gumm, our state senator, went to school at Robert E. Lee Elementary, on the south side of town. I have been told there is a famous writer, poet and artist, among other successes, from that school.
The reason I mentioned the fact that these two schools are located on the east side and south side of town is because some in our fair city have had the mistaken idea that somehow those attending school there aren’t as smart or gifted as those from the north or west sides of town.
Especially when these boys and girls got to middle school, they had to struggle for an opportunity to place in academics and/or sports. One successful young man said, “We had further to go than others, but we made it!”
Both schools are and were blessed with top-notch teachers and adminstrators down through the years, who loved the students and supported them in every way.
I remember A. E. Ewing bringing hair clippers and scissors to school so he could cut the boys’ hair who didn’t have money for a haircut. I have experienced Mike Dills help with children in wheelchairs so they could get on stage to take part in a Special Olympics program. That’s what you call dedication!
I’m sure I’ve left out some of East and South side high achievers. Please forgive me, but we are very proud of you!
God bless,
Marylu Tignor-Jaggers
Durant
Marylu Tignor-Jaggers - Letter to the Editor, Durant Daily Democrat