School Spirit

Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson addresses Ellen Madison's Spanish class at CHS last week. Photo by Carol Wilcox

"It gives me chills to see this, it is so exciting." were the words Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson used to describe the new Caruthersville Middle School Cafeteria and the progress on building the new High School, "It speaks so well of the administration and the people in Caruthersville for their perseverance and spirit," she told a class during a visit to the High School and Middle School last week.

Congresswoman Emerson scheduled the tour to check in on the progress and to tour the new Cafeteria that is open and serving lunches. She spoke to students in Ellen Madison's Spanish Class and met with a few of Jana Merideth's students and those in the lunchroom.

"It is sad that some of you will have spent your High School time without a High School," she told the seniors in the class, "But this town has recovered from a lot of adversity and come far. Situations like this make you stronger."

Emerson and her team were on the ground in Caruthersville the day after the tornado and staff members remind throughout most of the beginning weeks to help facilitate the process of rebuilding. "We came through a lot of government bureaucracy and troubles," she said, "From the insurance to dealing with FEMA and holding them accountable."

Emerson praised Superintendent J.J. Bullington and her administrators along with Mayor Diane Sayre and her city staff. "This town is amazing with all it has done, the citizens should be very proud."

Bullington said that she was pleased with the progress the District had seen and the opening of the new cafeteria. She expects to have an open house sometime in the near future.