Succeeding in School celebrates 20 years of learning

The Succeeding in School 20th anniversary celebration Saturday marked two decades of students from the Poplar Bluff R-I School District have been tutored at Wheatley School. Director Kathern Harris, who works with the students and volunteers, was honored in particular.

Past and present students standing in the middle of the room on the red carpet greeted the crowd by sharing their favorite Succeeding in School activities.

One youngster introducted himself, “My name is Dallas. I’m going to tell you about what I like about the program. I like being on the computers and we go outside and stuff.”

Next to respond was Maya, who said, “I like computers and yoga.”

Guests were at tables encircling the students who were celebrating the theme “The Path We Took,” covering the years 2004-2024. Erin Ceesay served as mistress of ceremony.

Poplar Bluff Mayor Shane Cornman read a proclamation from the city council, which said the city “is always pleased to recognize those events which bring credit upon the community; and a tutor nurtures a productive and rewarding relationship between the student and the tutor; and mentoring is a strong component of tutoring; and a tutor is a good listener; and a mentor builds self-esteem in students; and a tutor teaches the student how to become an independent learner; and a tutor makes learning challenging but not unattainable; and a mentor has enthusiasm for the work and for the student; and a tutor possesses the sincere desire for the student to reach his/her fullest potential.”

Cornman explained, “More than 1,000 students have been tutored since the Wheatley Succeeding in School Tutoring Program was established in 2004, and numerous adult volunteers have dedicated their time, talent and touch to the Wheatley Succeeding in School Tutoring Program.”

Close to the end of the program, Sapphira Halliburton presented Harris with an award, saying, “We also would like to recognize an important pillar to our community. Her achievements are not unnoticed and contribuion to education is notable.

“My lifetime, as well as many others have the honor to be educated by Ms. Harris. She is a very beautiful woman inside and out. You are kind-hearted and mild-mannered. Your character is honorable and the presence is nurturing. You are intelligent, wise, gifted and very loved,” Halliburton said.

Harris has taught and substituted for grade school. She also worked as the Talent Search director at Three Rivers College and has assisted in summer programs and Sunday School.

Halliburton said, “That doesn’t even begin to peel the layers of work you have provided or assisted with in your community, and having played a very big role in it all.”

Harris was a “huge inspiration” to the children, she added.

“I guess what we all basically trying to say is, thank you for a life-long dedication to educating the youth,” Halliburton said.