Mayor Craft to teachers: All of you matter
by Brian Graves
August 6, 2025
Mayor Alton Craft addressed the faculties of Oxford City Schools during their annual pre-school institute held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Oxford Performing Arts Center.
The institute is the school district’s annual “pep rally” for faculty and staff prior to the start of the school year.
“All of you matter, and you matter more today than you ever have,” Craft said. “I was thinking about all of my past teachers. I can thank everyone of them for making me who I am today. Their influence on me led me to do what I do. They made me better.”
Craft acknowledged the challenges teachers and children face in today’s “tough world.”
“Everything you do really does matter. The light is there in those students. The blessing I had as a volunteer football coach was when I would see that light click on. At that moment, you know you got it right. Be the best staff you can be and go Big O!”
The teachers were treated to a “Breakfast of Champions” provided by the Oxford City Schools Education Foundation; music from the OHS band and cheerleaders; and remarks from Superintendent Dr. Shannon Stanley, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Todd Haynie, School Board chairman Dr. Tony Bolton, OCSEF executive director Judy Muncher, and Hobson City Mayor Alberta McCrory.
Thursday, August 7, is the first official day back for Oxford City Schools students, and the city of Oxford wishes for them, their teachers, and parents a very successful year.