As a reporter at the Selma Times-Journal I have been able to share my days with so many different kinds of people. From principals and pilots to preachers, paddlers and park rangers, each person brings a new story and something unique to share with the community. Everyday I learn something new from the people of Dallas County, and I hope that through the stories we share, you do too.

During my first two months as a reporter in Selma, I have had the joy of “going back to school,” on several occasions, visiting Edgewood Elementary, B.K. Craig Elementary, Byrd Elementary and Shiloh Elementary School and Sixth Grade Academy. During each of my visits I have had a wonderful time meeting with school principals, guidance counselors or teachers, but never had the opportunity to spend time with the students these school leaders spent their day impacting.

This week that changed. Friday I visited Keith High School for the first time, and I was there specifically to meet a student who was “going to change the world.” The student was recommended by Keith High counselor, William Powell, and I was instantly impressed.

This high school senior, who will be featured in the next edition of the Times-Journal’s Horizons magazine, plays the snare drums in the Keith High’s marching band, focuses on getting good grades, is involved in leadership organizations, volunteers, holds a part-time job and assured me that he has big plans for his future.

This student is just one of many from Keith High who are involved and invested not only in their community and their school, but also in their future.

Powell introduced me to several other students during my time at Keith High. A group of eighth graders were getting ready for Red Ribbon Week, a week dedicated to drug prevention, which starts next week at Keith High. These students are not only leaders amongst their peers, but they were genuinely excited about the things going on at their school. They were also gearing up for homecoming week, which follows Red Ribbon Week.

It was so encouraging to see young people not only motivated to better their school and the environment for their peers, but on a path that will lead them to do great things in the future.

Powell described Keith High as a “small school doing big things,” and from what I saw on Friday, I would have to agree.

And I am well aware that Keith High is not the only school in the area doing big things. The time spent at the other schools I’ve visited around Selma and Dallas County has been to capture stories on new principals and teachers being honored with various awards.

The quality of students and the teachers that Selma and Dallas County have to offer is something our community should be proud of.