BOYLE- Each year Bell Academy in Boyle Mississippi selects someone during Black History Month that is an inspiration to the community. This year, they selected their very own custodian, Mr. Bobby Carter.
“When we first started Bell Academy we decided to have an inspiration program and pick out community members that give back to our community,” said principal Sonia Swafford.
Carter is described as the “light of our school” by teachers, students, and faculty. He goes above and beyond to meet the needs of the school he works for.
“He’s just a very special individual. He lives going above and beyond,” said Swafford.
She said that often times Carter will come to the school on the weekends just to trim the hedges, weed-eat, blow the leaves off of the grounds, anything to make sure this learning environment is in tip top shape.
Not only was it a special day to present the award to one of their own faculty, but it was the first time since the program started that the teachers voted unanimously for an individual.
The program to announce Mr. Carter as the recipient of the inspirational award began with all the students screaming “surprise” as Mr. Carter entered the room. It was followed by encouraging words from faculty and students thanking Mr. Carter for all his hard work and for being a role model for them to look up to.
Two fourth grade boys talked about how Mr. Carter was always there for their sports games, even after a long hard day at work.
“After a long hard day at work I’m sure the first thing Mr. Carter wants to do is go home, sit in a comfy seat, kick his feet up and relax,” said Miller and Maddox Greene.
“They got me good, they took me way out in the field, had me put a shelf together, take it back down, I’m like, ‘what’s this for,'” said Mr. Carter on his surprise. “But then when I came back in it hit me, it hit me right then when I got to that corner.”
Mr. Carter said the words shared by the students at the assembly brought tears to his eyes. The sixth grade class right now at the school started as the first class at Bell Academy, and Mr. Carter he says it’s hard to see them leave.
Carter’s daughter, Kenyatta Carter, said the honor came at just the right time.
“He had talked about retiring, as early as this year,” said Kenyatta. “But after this? I think he’ll be here a good long while.”
Mr. Carter’s wife Vera said that he lives and breathes for the kids.
“He tells them at sports, ‘just have a good time,'” said Vera. “But he stresses education to them. He loves these kids.”
Mr. Carter said that while he’s being honored as an inspiration, he gets his motivation from Bell Academy.
“They give me energy,” said Carter. “They energize me to continue on. I gather up my strength and I go there for them.”
