While addressing teachers and staff members from Clinton City Schools, Superintendent Dr. Stuart Blount said he could dwell on challenges. But the school leader took another route with words of encouragement for his fellow educators sitting inside Clinton High School’s auditorium.

“However, we as Clinton City Schools, are well above and beyond such negativity,” Blount said before mentioning positives such as increasing graduation rates.

CCS celebrated its districtwide Opening Day Ceremony Wednesday with teachers and staff members. The theme for the upcoming school year is “Above and Beyond.” During the event, Blount said it was important to improve the academic success of students.

“I encourage each of you in this room today, to be a positive voice for public education and to be a positive voice for the job that you do within our school system,” Blount said.

He later referenced an article about “super-successful people” and traits such as achieving goals and never giving up.

“I am convinced as your superintendent, that if we all, and I emphasize all, we will be super-successful people,” he said. “Just think, in the end, if we master these traits and teach these traits to our students, they too will succeed.”

Before Blount addressed the audience, Sandra Starling of L.C. Kerr School presented her motivational speech, which included a personal story of her leaving the airline industry to pursue a career in education. Her remarks were accompanied by a personal song which motivates her, “Wake Up Everybody,” by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes.

“Education is the most powerful weapon we could use to change the world,” Starling said trying to encourage teachers.

Like Blount, she encouraged everyone to go “Above and Beyond.”

“When you teach the children, teach them the very best that you can,” she said.

One of the most important highlights of the afternoon was the announcement of Vanessa Brown being named Principal of the Year. Brown thanked everyone, including her husband who she was the “wind beneath her wings.”

Along with encouraging presentations, the ceremony also featured funny and exciting school spirit skits and remarks from individuals representing organizations such as United Way, the Clinton Area Foundation for Education (CAFE) and The Simple Gifts Fund.

Reach Chase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.

By Chase Jordan

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Vanessa Brown was recently honored as Principal of the Year during the Opening Day Ceremony for Clinton City Schools.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_Brown.jpgVanessa Brown was recently honored as Principal of the Year during the Opening Day Ceremony for Clinton City Schools.

Superintendent Dr. Stuart Blount of Clinton City Schools speaks to employees during the Opening Day event
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_CCS-opening-Ceremony.jpgSuperintendent Dr. Stuart Blount of Clinton City Schools speaks to employees during the Opening Day event

Antoine McGill, principal of Sunset Avenue School, participates in a school spirit competition during the Opening Day Ceremony for Clinton City Schools.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_CCS-opening-ceremony_2.jpgAntoine McGill, principal of Sunset Avenue School, participates in a school spirit competition during the Opening Day Ceremony for Clinton City Schools.