Hall of Famer Shaw Encourages Fr. Co. Charter School Teachers and Staff

Football Hall of Famer Billy Shaw encouraged Franklin County Charter School teachers and staff to continue to work as a team for the success of their students.

Shaw was the guest speaker last week at the teacher/staff convocation where he honored teachers for their selflessness and love of students.

“I thank you for giving me the opportunity to come and honor you. There is no other profession that makes the impact on our young people like education,” he said. “I honor you for the work that you do not only in the classroom but beyond the classroom. It takes a team to win and win is when we see our students succeed.”

Shaw said teachers are making a difference not only in the classroom but in their county and communities. He then thanked those teachers for whom this is their last year.

“We haven’t said anything today about those of you who have spent your whole career here. There could be one or more for whom this is your last year. Thank you for making a difference,” he said.

Shaw likened the teaching profession to playing the stock market but for a different kind of prize more precious than monetary gain.

“I have to admit to you that I have a lot of fun and I also do it as a serious contribution to my family and my life. I play the stock market. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose. But teachers, you are the stock market that never fails because you are investing in the future,” he said.

Shaw, who is from Vicksburg, MS, said there are 16 members of his family who were educators, including a college professor and six coaches. And he recalled how at the age of 15, he drove a school bus.

Shaw ended his speech by referencing his gold jacket which he received during the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Though he was asked to wear it, Shaw said the jacket is just a jacket and he didn’t want to take away in his speech from the achievements of teachers who invest in the future of our children every day in the classroom.