By Tyrra B Meserve
Greene Publishing, Inc.

   “It concerns us to know the purposes we seek in life, for then, like archers aiming             at a definite mark, we shall be more likely to attain what we want.”
            -Aristotle-

   When firearms almost superseded archery in both weaponry and hunt, it was Emperor Gojong in Korea who helped transform the sport from military training into a healthy pastime. It was in Paris in 1900 that archery first appeared in the Olympics, though for lack of formal rules, it quickly died out, only to resurge in Munich in 1972. Today, archery is a sport found worldwide, with competitors hailing from every race, creed, age and persuasion. In Madison, there resides this year’s Individual National 4-H Archery compound Championship winner and World Champion for his age division, Jantz Jenkins, high school sophomore and upcoming Olympic hopeful.
   It was not that long ago that Jenkins first raised his bow and took aim at what would later be described as a natural talent. Three short years prior, Jenkins had been introduced to the sport of archery at Corinth Baptist Church. Asked to come play by his pastor, Jenkins had no idea how well the sport would fit. Now, Jenkins competes both individually and as part of the Lowndes County 4-H Archery team, taking two National Championship Titles this year.
   “I liked it right away,” Jenkins said. “Head Coach Gary Grosby and I ran into each other at a local shoot at the Little River Competition 3 years ago and he kept after me to get involved. Finally, he wore me down and I did. Now I’m thinking the Junior Olympics sounds good. I’m pretty sure I can make it.”
   In a sport where masters are separated from the novices by their ability to steadily and repeatedly take aim at their target, Jenkins’ sights appear to be right on goal. Walking away with two awards, one individually and one in team participation, Jenkins’ and his fellow 4-H archers have dominated the compound archery division in the state of Georgia this past year.
   Jenkins’ is planning to continue competing heavily this season, already scheduled to attend more exhibitions around Florida and Georgia in the upcoming months. Slated to be in another State Championship shoot in Georgia next weekend and then one in Daytona the following weekend, Jenkins barely has time to set his trophies down before it’s off to the next event.
   “I use the competitions as practice time,” Jenkins’ shared. “I don’t get much of a chance otherwise. I’ve been shooting in so many tournaments lately, I don’t know how I’d practice otherwise, there just isn’t time.”
   A precision sport with a history extending throughout humanity, archery has its roots in nobility, skill and art. From the first bow found in Denmark, to the compound bow drawn for sport today, archery has been used for survival, stretched during strife and honored in competition. When the advent of firearms almost rendered archery obsolete, still the sport remained, calling out to the heart of the huntsman. The bow beckons back to the wilderness of man’s past, taut against the struggles of his today and aims at the eye of tomorrow. With clear sight and steady hand, it can carry the soul on its flight.
   Refreshingly unassuming and obviously gifted, it is with steady sight that Jenkins appears to be exactly on target. With pride, parents Nondis and George Jenkins, grandparents Jerry and Jeanie Paige and Bobby and Louis Jenkins along with all those who watch from the sidelines will not be surprised when he hits his mark.

Greenville, Lee Praised For FCAT Improvement

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Greenville Elementary and Lee Elementary schools received proud praise from district officials after recent reports showed both schools moved up in their FCAT letter grades.  Greeneville moved up an impressive three letter grades from F to B, while Lee went up one letter grade, also to B.  In fact, both earned an overall score of 522, only three points shy of the 525 required for an A, which was the grade again received by Pinetta Elementary that finished with a 526.
   The notable improvement at Greenville was no accident.  Principal Mel Roberts employed a variety of resources and strategic realignments of staff to accomplish this extraordinary result.  For instance, teachers with subject strengths were arranged in an upper school format called “Small Learning Communities” where students are rotated as a group throughout the day, allowing one teacher to concentrate on math, another science, language arts and so on.  Homeroom was then spent on reading blocks.  This facilitated enormous teaching and learning improvements between third, fourth and fifth graders.
   “We also used a math learning program called “Acaletics,” getting its name from the creative curriculum designed to improve academics with an athletic theme that is very appealing to students and gets results.  In fact, the regional director of the program called me saying that Greenville’s math achievements were among the best in state,” Roberts noted.
   “I am so proud of our students, staff and faculty.  They were so dedicated to making this happen.  We worked hard and prayed and thank God for everything,” he added.
Lee Elementary Principal Larry Alderman shared similar praise for his staff and students.  “Our school has a great staff and tremendous teachers that are committed to teaching and learning.  The students continue to work very hard and I’m so proud of each and every one of them,” he noted.
   FCAT scoring has eight core components.  Four of these are labeled “percentage meeting high standards” in reading, math, writing and science.  The other four components are comprised of two for “percentage making learning gains” in reading and math and the last two components are for “percentage of lowest 25 percent making learning gains,” also in reading and math.
   Superintendent of Madison County Schools Lou Miller and Coordinator of School Improvement Shirley Joseph expressed their praise for all involved and will be providing additional success stories throughout the summer as they prepare for continued improvement in the upcoming years.
   “We have so many fine administrators throughout the district.  The faculty and students worked hard and earned these incredible results.  The district continues to focus on improvements and I want to congratulate Mel and all the principals for their leadership.  It’s a team effort and we’re all so grateful,” Miller warmly noted.

Meeting To Oppose Liquor Petition Set For Monday

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   There will be an organizational meeting for those who are interested in opposing the petition drive to legalize liquor in Madison County on Monday, July 14, at 7 p.m. at the Madison County Extension Office.
   The petition, if it gets on the ballot, will call for a special election other than the September primary or November general election. The cost of the election will be approximately $35,000.
   All people who are interested in getting this initiative stopped should be at the meeting on Monday evening.

Sex Offender Sought By Sheriff’s Deputies

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is looking for Michael Rabon, a registered sex offender, who has apparently absconded and failed to register.
   Sheriff’s Deputies have checked the last address that Rabon gave for the past three weeks and he is not there.
   Rabon is a 43-year-old white male, who stands 6’2” tall and weighs 150 pounds.
   Anyone with information on Rabon’s whereabouts is asked to call the Madison County Jail at (850) 973-4001.