Investing in the community
When I first arrived in Stephens I wondered why anyone would like to live in a place like this. This is a rural area with very few resources, the school is the largest employer of the community! (with a high school student population of around 200) After speaking with Mr. Cowen and one of the teachers at the school I understand there is a need for educated persons in this community. There is a need for good role models for these students. The reason many of the teachers are here at Stephens High School is because they realize there is a need, these teachers could teach anywhere in the nation but they choose to stay here. I understand there may be other factors keeping them in the community such as family, but I am amazed at how much the facility (I have had the pleasure of meeting) cares about the student body. Many of the students we have talked about mention they want to leave this area, and I can clearly understand why. However, it is my hope that these young people will realize how much the community will need them after they are educated because there are students from Stephens that will become college educated. I hope they will understand the impact they can have on the community and on the world.