Franklin Living September-October 2022

Now that we are settling into the new school year, I have had time to reflect on what a great start to the school year we had. Many were involved in getting this year off to a good start in August, but I’ve been especially reflecting on the role our community played and how their continued support really does make a difference.

Before school officially started, we had a grand opening for the new addition to Russellville High School that was well-attended by the community. We received so many compliments and encouragement from those who came to look around that day and have received many positive comments since then from people who are excited about the opportunities this new building brings for our students and staff.

The Sunday before school started, our community showed up once again to support RCS by having a community-sponsored prayer walk around our campus. I was there and had the privilege of praying for our schools, our teachers, our students and all the different aspects of school life. I was so encouraged to see so many in our community come out to do the same thing. It was a wonderful sight to see these people walking around our campus and through our hallways praying for us to all have a great year.

And then, as has been the tradition for the past several years, our city and utility employees showed up on the first day of school to welcome us all back in a big way with bucket trucks in the air, American flags flying, lights flashing on the fire trucks and police cars and smiling city workers holding up signs with encouraging messages, waving and cheering for us. You can’t have a bad start to the school year with that kind of community support behind you!

Russellville is a special place when it comes to community support, especially for our schools. All of us here at RCS appreciate it so much. Now that we’re getting into football season and our athletics and extracurriculars are back in full swing, we hope to see that same Russellville spirit and support we know and love at our events throughout the rest of the year!

Heath Grimes is superintendent of Russellville City Schools.