We are Lillington-Shawtown

School. I never knew how much I appreciated that building until it was gone. There is so much that happens in one day there for the kid, and I just never realized it. And it's so much more than I can give him, alone at home. 

The presence of another adult, to build him up, to show him his strengths and weaknesses. To show him how to continue to grow into a strong and productive young man, to continue festering his love of learning, to show him the finer parts of the education system and how they all fit together. 

The precence of his prior teachers who still made the time to make sure their kid was doing ok. That he was following what they taught him, and that he knew they were there if he needed a hug, or just a place to chill. 

The prescence of the support staff who always made sure the kid was ok. From opening the car door in the morning, with a "Good morning Michael", to Ms. Pat making sure he knew not to leave a mess for her to clean up. To the ladies in the cafeteria knowing that he can have that ice cream, but not that thing of milk. To Ms. Bourey who makes sure the kid is being taught internet safety, to our fabulous guidance counselors trying to teach ALL these kids that its ok to be different. To our wonderful Mrs. Scinta loving these kids and keeping them moving. The support staff in "that" building makes it a home for my kid and so many others!

To our Principal, Ms. Clinton, and VPs, who truly do care about our kids. They walk the halls, calling down kids, but also giving out hugs, and holding onto hands. 

This "BUILDING" was builting out of brick and mortar. It was built to make a school. It was built to hold some kids and teachers, to make some students, and carry on. But what this "BUILDING" has done is made a family, a family that is crying. Our, Lillington-shawtown family, is crying tonight. Our teachers, our staff and our students are hurting because they cant continue the journey they started together. But we will prevail!! The LSES Cougars will come out on top, and come back stronger! And just think - as the building settles, and the lights shut off for the last time for awhile - just think of what the halls will say when it's time to welcome our family back!! #weareHarnett #wearelillingtonshawtown #wewillprevail #stayhome #washyourhands