When I assumed the role as lead learner for Selma City Schools, I envisioned the entire community rallying around the scholars, teachers and leaders of our city’s only high school.  In my perfect world, our schools would want for nothing because surely everyone valued and supported the work of schools and the role of education in our historic city. 

I wasn’t completely wrong.

Though we get more than our share of criticism and shade from the community, I think most are recognizing that we have some amazing scholars who are being supported by teachers and leaders who are striving for excellence. 

Team Selma’s vision is “to be documented as a model school district where students are empowered through academic excellence to achieve success throughout life.”  Based on achievements of our scholars, we are on the right track.

Our students have been recognized across the state for achieving top honors.  Our future Saints, the R.B. Hudson Robotics Team recently won the coveted Congressional App Competition.  They created an app called Snackable which takes selecting and ordering snacks to a whole new level.  As a result, they are now headed to Washington, DC for national recognition!  Let me know if you want to support them financially.

Selma High School has a number of groups who have achieved excellence.  From our basketball teams to our DECA and EXERT scholars.  Check out Will Whaley’s article “SHS students take home top honors” for details.  Plus, two of our scholars won Michael Johnson’s Shark Tank competition at the Youth Empowerment Summit.

There’s more.  Friday afternoon I learned that our culinary arts students are the returning State Champs in the Jr. Chef Child Nutrition Program Competition. 

I am impressed, proud and extremely humbled to lead our amazing school district.  The best is yet to come. 

In fact, on Thursday of this week, the community has an opportunity to support our Special Education Department at the Selma City Schools Art Night.  This special event at the Play Selma Music Hall begins at 4 p.m.  Check out our website and social media outlets for samples of the artwork that will be available for purchase.

Yes, there are plenty of reasons to be proud of our Saints and our entire school district.  We will continue to strive for excellence and to be the model school district that turns our vision into our reality.

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org.