January has been set aside by Gov. Perry as a special time for communities to say thanks to board members for caring so much about the future of every child enrolled in our public schools. A special thanks to Pam Starr and all the staff who prepared the special appreciation meal for our board members; Pres. Barry Fikes, V. Pres. Thurman Saxon, Secretary Micah Shaw, Kay McKee, Jason Lewis, Sally Gossett, and Tina Poe. The meal was served by the student council representatives.

The Lady Coyotes are 15-6 on the season and 4-2 in district play. The varsity boys are 10-2 on the season and 3-1 in district play. Both teams played Eden at Eden gym on Jan. 20th at 6:30 p.m. Both varsity teams will play Rochelle at Richland Springs on January 23 at 6:30. The junior high teams play every Monday beginning at 6 p.m. Come to the games and watch our young athletes.

Congratulations to the stock show exhibitors for their accomplishments. Animal projects require a high degree of dedication of time, money and effort. A total of 25 Richland Springs’ students sold 40 animals in the premium sale for a total of $21,425. Again, thanks to Mr. McKee for directing and preparing FFA, 4 H, and Ag students to be successful in the stock show this year. Mark your calendar for the FFA CHILI SUPPER on Friday, January 23rd at 5:30 pm in the school cafetorium, before the basketball games. All proceeds benefit the FFA Scholarship Fund.

It’s great to see our community supporting students in their efforts to achieve. We have a great community, students, teachers and staff. It takes everyone working together to achieve success.

“Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.”

Benjamin Franklin, American scientist, inventor, statesman, printer and philosopher, born Jan. 17, 1706

Put a pot of beans on the stove and maybe stir up some chili; dust the book shelves, turn off the TV and pull out a favorite book to read; and take time to think and reflect. As the wisdom of old Ben dictates, be content making life simpler and take time to nurture the good in life, and you’ll be the richer for it.

Community involvement is the key to success.