I write this article today with a heavy heart. Over the weekend I was informed that we had lost one of our beloved students, Sam Brown, as a result of his long battle with illness and this morning I was informed that a long-time elementary teacher here, Mrs. Debra (Pitts) Boyd, had also passed away.

I did not know Mrs. Boyd personally, but her long service to the district and our students speaks a lot about her and my best thoughts, prayers and wishes go out to her husband and loved ones.

As for Sam, I did have the honor of knowing him for the past two years and I will never forget him. I will always remember his face and smile and the effort that he showed to communicate and be a part of the school every day he was here. I still have prom pictures of Sam, one of the most pleasantly memorable days I’ve had as an educator. He looked great and seemed to be enjoying and soaking up every minute of the event.

It was also a high point for me as I saw the compassion and caring for Sam by our students and staff that day and every day. Sam was easy to love and that is a true gift. I will never forget his fun-loving personality and his t-shirts. My favorite was the one with stick-men drawn on it with the caption “I’ve got your back!” His relationship with staff member Juanita Riddle was a delight to see as well, as she was there to help, but also let Sam be Sam.

Our school family has experienced tremendous loss at his passing, but he will be carried forward in our hearts forever. Blessings to the family and their devotion to Sam and our fervent prayers as they go through this time of grief and loss.

Superintendent Bill Caruthers