As the education reporter for The Vicksburg Post, I’ve gotten to see a lot in the past year.

I’ve been there for the first day of kindergarten, the last day of high school and so many special moments in between.

No matter which memory I happen to be at, there’s always someone else there helping to make sure everything goes according to plan.

They’re the ones reassuring not only the students, but also the parents and at times their administrators, that everything is going to be OK.

Before accepting my current post, I’m not sure I ever spent any considerable about of time thinking about educators and their role in our society.

These teachers put on their pants (or skirt) each day, unsure of whether they’ll face vomit, snot, tears or a mix of the three, and they do so often without thanks.

When I do see thank yous though, they often come in untraditional ways: a picture to hang on the desk, the hugging of a leg or offering a helping hand.

Our teachers have had to do much with little, especially due to the slim budget most schools face.

In spite of this, the Vicksburg Warren School District appears to be looking brighter when viewed through most every metric, and our other schools also seem to be blossoming.

Through talking with teachers, I’ve also been interested to learn many of them place such high importance on teaching not just skills but character.

They seem to want students to learn not only subject matter but also life skills. This attribute is invaluable in those working with our community’s children.

Thank you to all of my former (and current!) teachers. You all truly don’t know the difference you’ve made in my life and the lives of others around you. Each and every one of you is a blessing.

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Austin Vining is a reporter for The Vicksburg Post. Email comments to austin.vining@vicksburgpost.com.