JCES students, faculty honor principal
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

The JCES kindergarten class honored Dr. Holton with "Hats Off" banners. (Staff photos by Deborah Bennett)

The theme song from "Rocky" echoed off the walls of Jenkins County Elementary School Thursday, Oct. 4, as Dr. Judy Holton, principal, entered to find that she was the object of a surprise appreciation program planned by staff and students.

Dr. Holton had initially planned the program for students and staff in celebration of the school's making Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) for the fifth consecutive year and for being recognized as a Title I Distinguished School for the sec- ond consecutive year. The tables were turned, however, with Dr. Holton being honored for her leadership and dedication.

Each grade presented words of appreciation and congratulations to Dr. Holton, followed by a performance of "Wind Beneath the Wings" by the school chorus.

In her remarks, assistant principal Cynthia McNeely, compared Dr. Holton to the Biblical character of Rebecca, wife of Isaac, reading Genesis 24:19-20 which gave an account of Rebecca tirelessly drawing water from a well.

Dr. Judy Holton, principal of Jenkins County Elementary School, displays the plaque of appreciation presented to her by staff and students during a surprise program in her honor.

"Dr. Holton is our Rebecca. She never quits, demands nothing but the best and is a hard worker with no hidden agenda," commented Ms. McNeely. "She is pleasantly supportive and generates a positive attitude."

Ms. McNeely then presented Dr. Holton with a plaque of appreciation.

Dr. Holton spoke briefly, thanking students and staff for their support.

Previously she commented, "It takes all of us to educate all of our students. We are very fortunate in Jenkins County to have committed, dedicated people working in the school who really care about the children. We have a lot to be proud of."

In addition to faculty and students, others present included Dr. Holton's husband, Chad; son, Lawton; daughter, Kelly; Channel 6 News crew; and Jenkins County School Superintendent Joan Blackwood.

Dr. Holton's family present for the program, from left, were husband Chad, son Lawton and daughter Kelly. The pre-kindergarten classes proclaim "Dr. Holton Rules."