Effingham County High School

A School Year Dedicated to Neil Morgan and Whitney Newman – Class of 2011!

By Yancy J. Ford, Principal

Welcome! Students, you are a member of one of the best high schools available. Effingham County High School provides an extensive array of academic and co-curricular opportunities. All of these exciting opportunities require your active participation to ensure that you and the school programs grow and improve. I challenge you to get involved and enjoy the full benefits of the Effingham County High School Community.

We are blessed with an experienced and talented staff. These hard working people will do everything possible to support you in your school endeavors. Please rely on them for encouragement, guidance and support as you strive to reach your personal goals. Keep in mind that becoming successful in life comes with a price; the price for you is consistent, focused effort to improve. Your hard work coupled with support from the school will help you reach your goals and aspirations.

Parents, Staff, and Community Members: In a perfect world, all students would come to us eager to learn, excited, and enthusiastic about school and positive in their attitudes about life and learning. But, as all the faculty members at ECHS realize, that’s not reality. Some students come to school with less-than-great attitudes, little support from home, and they often pose a threat to the positive climate of our classrooms and school. This, of course, is where effective teachers and faculty members work their magic. So many of our youth have taken a wrong turn somewhere down the road of life and are struggling to get back on the path to success.

Remember, when it gets tough, don't blame the students. Our responsibility is to figure out which strategy will work with each student, because everyone comes with a different, compelling story. We are trying to change history, and although it won't be easy, it will be rewarding. When it gets really tough, try to envision the students they are becoming, not the students they are at that moment.

Also remember, don't blame yourself. Until you develop a personal connection with a student, you are every teacher they have ever had.  Look for help and support from your colleagues -- we have a collective responsibility to serve each other as well as the students. You are not alone!

Focus on the knowledge that we work to make a difference in the lives of every student we meet; however, not every student will succeed in the short time we have with them. This doesn't mean we can give up on kids; it reminds us not to blame ourselves when we can't reach a student. Often, the life lessons we teach are not realized until the students are ready to learn them -- years after they have left your school.

I remind our school, parents, and community what really matters is not so much what students at ECHS walk away with in their hands, but how many sparks we ignite in their hearts. There’s no doubt students want inspiration. The caring parent, teacher, and community member, not the content, determines whether students at ECHS walk away ready to be a productive citizen.

To the Class Of 2011: Never give up on your dreams, stay focused, and always keep Neil and Whitney in your thoughts and prayers. May you always remember the joy and laughter the two of them brought to your class, our school, and this wonderful community.  Remember to laugh often, cry when you need to, have fun, be inspired, make a positive difference, and enjoy your Senior Year!

Best of luck to all and it’s truly an honor to serve as Principal of Effingham County High School. GO REBELS!!!