Troup art auction nets more than $7,000

I have come to a conclusion; stop the presses! I know why I love my job so much. It might surprise you to know it's not the money or the perks that come with working in such a wonderful district. It's the laughter and the fun we have. Every campus you enter, every shop, bus barn, cafeteria and library are filled with the sounds that draw you in, the laughter of adults and children.

I have to admit, I love to be around happy people. Whiney, complaining, continually dissatisfied people make me tired. Happy people are a magnet to me; especially those that can take good natured teasing and dish it back out. Being the 10th of 12 children, I have learned to dish it out and definitely take a good natured teasing. Teasing Laci Findley and Ethan Huckabee is a sport I hope to get a letterjacket in someday. What is fun about those two is, they can take it and dish it out with equal enthusiasm.

Most people look forward to the solitude of their homes after a hard days work. However, it is strange, I truly enjoy when my two sons bring their friends over. Something you must admit about Troup kids, they are respectful and genuine. Many of my son's friends don't even knock before they enter our home. It is strange how I am actually very comfortable with that.

Supt. Marvin Beaty works overtime as auctioneer at Troup ISD's third annual Art Auction, held last Thursday in the THS auditorium. Thanks to the hard work of the students who made the artworks and Ag projects and the support of the community, more than $7,000 was raised for the senior scholarship fund.

They invade my refrigerator, sleep on my couch, log onto my computers and generally make themselves at home. I guess it reminds me of my brothers and sisters. Never have they left my house a mess (my sons excel in that endeavor) or taken advantage of the freedoms they have been given. I am very pleased when I think about the kind of men and women they will grow up to be.

Last week's "Art Auction" was one of the events that has left me with a warm feeling that I truly believe is rare. Several hundred parents, community members and board members gathered to vie for the privilege of purchasing the exquisite works of art created by our very talented students. Altogether, we generated over $7,000 for scholarships for the senior class of 2008. Tonight, we will gather again to engage in a "Trivia Contest" to determine which team has the most useless knowledge floating around in their heads. Two years ago the Elementary "Divas" took home the trophy, and last year the "Absentee Coaches" (the parents and co-workers of our coaching staff) took home the gold.

Who will it be this year? We are set to have over 20 teams participate in this annual event, with all proceeds going to our senior class in the form of scholarships! When all is said and done, we should raise in excess of $10,000 between the two events.

If you are around the kids of Troup you obviously know what I am talking about. If you cannot identify with what I am writing, then you are truly missing one of God's greatest blessings. I want to offer you a special invitation to the activities and events of Troup's three wonderful schools. You will be uplifted and refreshed by the super students walking our halls and representing our town.

Photos/Charlotte Smith

Remember, time stands still for no one! When these times pass, you cannot turn back the clock and participate. However, the memories you will garner will forever sweep over you like a warm breeze enabling you to forever relive the precious moments in the lives of our kids.

I have said it before and I will say it again, you are always welcome at Troup schools. The price of art might be $75 or more, the price of admission to the Trivia contest is $50, the chance to gain lifetime memories of our children, priceless. I'll be seeing you around the campuses.