FLAG RAISING LAUNCHES EDUCATION WEEK

Anderson speaks: Dr. Ron Anderson, superintendent of schools, spoke during the flag raising ceremonies Monday, launching National Education Week. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Choir performs: The R.O. Hawkins Junior High choir sang several patriotic songs during the ceremony, directed by Alan Bruns. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Proclamation: R.O. Hawkins Principal Dennis Parham watched as Mayor Paul Sander signed a proclamation, naming Nov. 13-17 National Education Week in Jackson. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Lewis speaks: Dr. T. Wayne Lewis, president of the Jackson R-2 Board of Education, also spoke during the ceremonies Monday. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Flag goes up: Dr. Ron Anderson, Mayor Paul Sander, Dr. T. Wayne Lewis and Principal Dennis Parham watched as Boy Scout Eric Starzinger raised the American flag Monday. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Brisk weather could not erase the upbeat mood at a ceremonial flag raising at O.A. Hawkins Middle School Monday morning, as part of National Education Week.

Less than a week after a $6 million bond issue for additions to the crowded school passed by a narrow margin, speakers could not avoid alluding to the future of the campus.

"I know the students are working hard to make it work in a tight situation here," said Dr. Ron Anderson, superintendent of schools. "I can hardly wait until we're back, doing the dedication here."

The ceremony included patriotic songs by the junior high choir, directed by Alan Bruns. After a moment of silence was observed for the late Gov. Mel Carnahan, Boy Scouts Eric Starzinger and Brad Holten raised the American flag, then lowered it to half-staff in Carnahan's honor.

The flag-raising opened the 79th annual National Education Week, Nov. 13-17. The theme of this year's week is "Children, schools and parents helping students achieve." Anderson and other speakers addressed the importance of public schools in American society.

"Public schools and the importance of education have moved out onto the front line during recent political elections," he said, noting, though, that not all promises made to boost education have been kept.

Principal Dennis Parham also addressed the future of the junior high, as well as the school district's relationship with the city of Jackson.

"It's going to be a lot better," he said. "You all won't be here, but if you have little brothers or sisters, it will be a lot nicer for them."

He introduced Mayor Paul Sander, who then signed a proclamation, making Nov. 13-17 National Education Week in Jackson. Sander, who noted that he attended R.O. Hawkins when the building was new, said that the schools would not be mentioned in the city motto, "Jackson: city of beautiful homes, churches and schools," if the city were not proud of its schools.

Dr. T. Wayne Lewis, president of the R-2 Board of Education, praised the junior high students in attendance for not complaining about the cramped conditions at the school. He also noted that the district's accomplishments have come about without an abundance of money.

"Jackson is near the bottom of the barrel," he said, referring to state funding. "Yet we have an outstanding staff and a great school system."