Athletics abound
Dr. Dee Fowler (Contributed)
By Dr. Dee O. Fowler
What an exciting atmosphere Madison Stadium is this time of year. We are so proud of our football programs at Bob Jones and James Clemens. The games provide great entertainment that students and parents can long remember and cherish.
Whenever I have an opportunity to speak about Madison City Schools, I always try to report on academics, arts, athletics, our financial position and giving back to the community.
Allow me today to talk a little about athletics. Our Board and our administrative team believe firmly in preparing our students for global success. While our focus is on academics, we also strive hard to provide good facilities, solid technology, ample professional development opportunities for our teachers and strong partnerships across the community. A strong athletics program is also essential for our schools.
Athletics teaches teamwork and cooperation. It teaches finding one’s niche, whether as a leader or in a support role, in pursuit of a common goal. It promotes discipline and sportsmanship and can help with social skills. Life lessons gleaned from athletics benefit students long after their high school years.
I can’t think of a livelier atmosphere than Madison City Stadium during a Patriots or a Jets football game. Each time that stadium comes to life, my office gets filled with the irresistible aromas from tailgating.
The game itself isn’t the only attraction. Football reaches beyond the gridiron to include the bands, cheerleaders, color guard, dance teams, flag corps and the stands, where thousands of fans watch it all unfold. These rituals and traditions promote our school district and community in a positive manner. What other activity draws such community-wide attention?
As proud as I am of the winning traditions of Bob Jones and the quickly emerging successes of James Clemens sports, I am even prouder of the academic achievements of our athletes. They have propelled both schools in gaining national recognition on America’s Best and Most Challenging High Schools lists, for scholarships earned, in numbers of national merit finalist produced and an endless list of other achievements.
Now that’s something to cheer about.
Dr. Dee O. Fowler is Superintendent of Education at Madison City Schools
