McLaurin Elementary School Assistant Principal Montrell Greene knows children need good role models. That’s what led him to spearhead a program involving ministers in the Natchez-Adams School District.

&uot;Being a minister’s child myself, I understand the effectiveness of a minister in one’s life,&uot; Greene said. &uot;Church, home and school (are) the three main institutions that are vital to the success of any civilization.&uot;

More than 70 ministers attended the first minister’s group meeting last week at Braden School.

Greene would like the ministers to visit the district campuses at different times of the days – such as lunchtime or before and after school.

&uot;We are trying to get them to be visible in the schools,&uot; Greene said.

Students may be more likely to behave if they know their minister is around, Greene said.

Greene, who grew up in Natchez, is an active member of his father’s church, Fourth Street Church of Christ.

Greene assists at the church by serving as the minister of music, the ministries coordinator and occasionally preaching. He is also a former youth minister.

Despite his involvement at Fourth Street, Greene said he has no intention of using the minister’s group to recruit students for any particular church.

&uot;You have your separation of church and state,&uot; Greene said.

But he believes the ministers can make an impact without individual counseling or witnessing.

&uot;I’m one to believe, many times, the best sermon is seen in one’s actions,&uot;&160;Greene said. &uot;That will speak a whole lot louder than trying to convert them to a particular religion.&uot;

Greene looks upon this group as another way of leading children in the right direction.

&uot;You feel more comfortable punishing (a child) if you feel like you have done all you can do,&uot; he said.

Greene taught music for three years at Natchez Middle School before being promoted to assistant principal at McLaurin this year.

Being the youngest of five children, Greene enjoys working with students because he did not have any younger siblings to look after.

&uot;I was always looking for someone to reach down to and help,&uot; Greene said.

He attributes his church experience with preparing him for the administrative job he now holds.

&uot;Many times in a church you face difficult situations,&uot; Greene said. &uot;I think I’m in the right place. I think I was put here for a purpose.&uot;