Back to school should be exciting

By TONY STINNETT

Students in Cannon County will return for their first full day of school Friday (Aug. 8) and while many dread this date for a number of reasons, it was always one I looked forward to as a youngster in north Georgia.

Though I really loved my summer break, I always looked forward to first day back to school.

Maybe it was because I had great teachers. Maybe it was due to the fact I just loved school and all that it encompassed.

I enjoyed my teachers, my classmates, learning, extra-curricular activities and sports. I would like to think I got the absolute most out of my educational opportunities in a public school setting. In fact, my high school (Chattanooga Valley HS) was very similar to Cannon County High School in terms of enrollment. Actually, the town where I grew up (Flintstone, Ga.) is very similar to Cannon County.

To this day, some of the most influential persons in my life were my teachers and coaches. If not for them, I shutter to think of which path in life I may have taken.

These days, I hear students as they dread the start of a new school year. To them, I say this should be one of the most exciting times of the year.

No matter what it is students strive to be in life, some of the answers will be developed inside the halls of the schools you attend. Friends for life will also be formed and things you do along the way will become part of things you talk about for years to come.

Like myself, some students will develop relationships with teachers that will make great differences in your life. One of the most important things to me as an employee of the schools system and as a coach was making a difference in the lives of young people.

By all accounts, I believe I succeeded.

There are many teachers, coaches and club sponsors in Cannon County Schools who feel the same way about their students.

I challenge students in Cannon County to embrace the start of the 2014-15 school year. Make it the best yet and built upon it because your education is the most important aspect of your life.

Don’t take learning for granted.

Don’t take what few years you have in school for granted.

There are adventures, friendships, relationships and a multitude of additional qualities awaiting you as the doors to a new year open.
There will be good days and bad days.
I encourage you to make the most of each day because one day you w