GRAYSON COUNTY -- Grayson County schools opened on schedule for the first day of the 2002-2003 school year. Students tripped down the bus steps into the freshly waxed halls. Many parents were crying as their babies started school careers in brightly decorated kindergarten classes. Older elementary students cautiously smiled at friends from last year, many who haven't been seen throughout the short summer.

It seems too early for school to start. Just a few short weeks ago the high school held a graduation ceremony for the Class of 2002 and already the Class of 2003 has begun their last challenging year.

Caneyville Elementary is busy settling into a new building. Shelves are still being assembled and books were just getting passed out the day before students appeared.

Wilkey is excitedly welcoming new principle, Ronna Sanders. The whole school is looking forward to a new year with new ideas.

Clarkson is welcoming a new curriculum coordinator to help teachers align the subjects between grades.

Lawler had a very smooth start and is welcoming their first ever preschool students to the building.

St. Paul and LCA are blessed with their intimate classes and growing number of students.

We live a community large enough to have a good industry base and thriving tourism attractions but small enough still for young and old to catch the wave of excitement at the beginning of each school year when the cycle of friendships and learning are recreated.