Originally posted on Facebook on Monday, May 20, 2019.

I thought nothing about crushing bugs on sight. Now, this woman has our entire family gently ushering them out of our home and stopping to appreciate all manner of wildlife. She accomplished that, not by putting something down (e.g. you're bad and you should feel bad if you don't think the way I do), but by lifting something up and elevating it in our eyes (e.g. nature is beautiful and here is why).

Friday, students of the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District honored Dr. Jessica Witt Tegt, sharing one-by-one how their lives had been impacted by her as the founder of Starkville Science Club, Science Olympiad and the YES! Program. Dr. Tegt taught a lot of great lessons, but her commitment to elevating appreciation of something by elevating people is by far the greatest lesson she's imparted to us all.

Melissa Luckett and I thank you for all you've done for our community and our family through your science programs and your friendship.