Florence School District 1 kicks off school year with convocation

Florence School District 1’s employees kicked off the 2008-09 school year with a “can do” attitude as Dr. Mamie McCullough, known as the “‘I Can’ Lady,” inspired district employees to feel good about their profession.

McCullough also reminded them that together, everyone in the district can make a difference.

The first day of school for Florence 1 is Monday.

McCullough, who was this year’s convocation keynote speaker, encouraged the crowd of about 2,200 district employees to believe in themselves and others.

“We have an opportunity to believe in these kids,” she said. “Even when they don’t know how to believe in themselves.”

Superintendent Larry Jackson welcomed district employees by reminding them how important they are in making a difference in the lives of all students.

Jackson discussed the district’s new initiative, Graduate Florence, and the “Opening Doors to the Doors to the Future” event to be held Aug. 23. He also highlighted five ways the district is making a difference in students’ lives.

This year’s back-to-school convocation included the district’s faculty and staff choir; the South Florence High School’s band and NJROTC students; a piano selection from Roman Lin, a student at Wilson High School and this year’s “Young Artist” award winner; as well as Wilson High School’s Air Force JROTC students.

The district later recognized its Red Carpet Schools: Savannah Grove Elementary School and South Florence High School.
Each employee received T-shirts provided by BB&T, a co-sponsor of the event.

McCullough told employees of her own story growing up a small town of 75 people in Georgia and going to college with only two dresses, a bag of chicken and $35 to her name.

She said it was because someone, the college’s president, believed in her that she was able to finish college.

McCullough was raised in poverty in Georgia, and used her experiences to motivate others through writing, teaching and speaking, according to a press release issued by the school district.

She worked with Zig Ziglar, a motivational speaker, for 10 years as speaker, author and educational director.

She is the author of five books, including “I Can. You Can, Too!” and “Get It Together And Remember Where You Put It.”

McCullough is a graduate of Howard Payne University. She has served in several positions during her educational career including being a teacher and high school principal, as well as teaching on the She also serves on Howard Payne’s Board of Trustees.

She also started her business career as a secretary and became vice president of 13 corporations by the age of 28, according to a press release issued by the district.

She later became a sales director for a direct sales organization.