Out of all fifty states, Mississippi has carried the reputation for poverty, obesity, laziness, racism, and lack of education more than any other state. However, one tiny town and school district located on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi has become the beacon for surviving and thriving in spite of these perceptions and very real adversity. Here can be found a vibrant, high achieving group of individuals committed to excellence and bound together by the belief that all children deserve the very best, regardless of where they fall on statistical charts and graphs. In 2002 the Pass Christian School District adopted a radical approach to learning that taught their students to become better thinkers. In 2003 they became the top performing school district in the state. In 2005 Hurricane Katrina roared ashore and wiped out the town and the school district. That same year, living in near third world conditions, the district scored tops again. How did they do it?
—Suzanne Ishee, M.Ed.