LOVE OF LEARNING LEADS TO FAMILY SUCCESS STORY

When Julia Cutsinger walked to the stage last Friday to deliver the valedictorian address at Woodland High School, she carried on a family tradition.

Cutsinger is the third generation of her family to earn the honor of valedictorian at Marble Hill. She followed in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother. Her mother, Beverly K. Cutsinger of Glen Allen, was the Woodland valedictorian in 1964. Her grandmother, the late Lorene O. Long Burns, was valedictorian of the high school class of 1926 at Marble Hill's Will Mayfield College.

This certainly was a proud occasion for this family and the Woodland schools. It also provided a shining example for others striving for excellence at the high school level.

The key for academic excellence is an emphasis placed in the home on learning. The parental role in building an environment conducive to learning is imperative.

Is education seen as a challenge or a burden? What emphasis is placed on homework and study? How is continuing education viewed? Do children see their parents reading and furthering their own educational goals? Are the parents active at their children's school in such events as teacher conferences or PTA meetings?

In most homes where students excel academically, the parents are involved in their child's school career and place stock in the importance of a good education. In the Cutsinger home, education was always emphasized.

Beverly Cutsinger recently came upon her class motto, which summaries her philosophy: "Education is light - Keep the flame burning." She continues to share that commitment with her children.

Julia will continue her education at Southeast Missouri State University. She plans to major in business management and has been offered a regents scholarship.

The Cutsinger story demonstrates that a love of learning and academic excellence can be passed from generation to generation.