Landmark
(A speech given by Grace Mullis for the Modern Woodmen Speech Contest in
2015)
Landmark: “an
event of discovery marking an important stage or turning point in something”
(quoted from the Oxford Dictionary).
Our lives are made of landmarks. They may not be anything special in the eyes
of others; but to those they affect, they are a colorful masterpiece of
memories and milestones. These landmarks
could be as little as the old swing set in your yard you used to play on as a
kid, to something as big as the house you’re raised in. Our landmarks are tattooed onto our
souls. They may fade and memories may
blur and run together, but they’ll always be there—an old friend just waiting
to remind us of how we got to today. Our
landmarks shape us, develop us, and we wouldn’t be the people we are now
without them.
I moved to Cohutta, GA in 2010. As we winded around old country roads, I
watched the faded yellow lines against the grey pavement and I wondered where
in the world are we going? I lazed away
the summer until school started back, then began attending Cohutta
Elementary. It was clean, homely, and
filled with caring and committed staff.
And the other kids that had grown up together welcomed me right into the
Cohutta family. From the “Clapout” on
Friday mornings (a weekly event in which students are recognized for their
aptitudes) to eating ice cream at recess on a warm spring day, going to Cohutta
was simply… enjoyable.
We, the students, also had exceptional teachers. They were understanding and did their best to
prevent and solve student conflict—fabricating a more positive learning
environment. The staff greatly
encouraged creativity and helped each student reach their cognitive goals. I felt like teachers truly strived to mentor
and educate their individual pupils in order to instill in them a lifelong love
for knowledge. I, along with the rest of
the student body, was told time and time again that we were loved. It was clear the school's capital priority was
student growth and happiness.
Cohutta Elementary also has a rich history. Cohutta, GA was the capital of the Cherokee
Nation from 1832-1838. The word Cohutta
originates from the Indian word meaning foggy or foggy weather. The front of the building used to be marked
by a totem pole signifying the town’s deep Native American roots. Cohutta started as a school for all
grades. It was the first accredited high
school in Whitfield County. This was
crucial because any student wishing for a college diploma increased their
chances of getting one by graduating from an accredited high school. The first school house was built in
1886. It was only three rooms, but it
was torn down in 1910 and a new structure replaced it. It too was later torn down to make way for a
bigger, better building. Sadly, it was
burned down as well as the school that replaced it. The fifth building, and the school I
attended, is still standing and I hope it remains that way for many years to come.
Cohutta Elementary is truly the spotlight of the
community. It’s where I met one of my
best friends, where I learned life lessons I’ll never forget and made bonds
that will never be broken. It’s where I
was made into an individual with passions and goals. Cohutta Elementary was… is… and forever will
be a landmark in my life.
