Doug Nigreville of State Farm Insurance Company has good reason to support Morgantown Elementary School this year.

&uot;I have so many clients that are teachers,&uot; he said. &uot;I just felt like it was the right thing to do.&uot;

Nigreville’s is one of 25 businesses taking part in the Partners-In-Education program sponsored by the Natchez-Adams School District.

Participating businesses or groups adopt schools to help improve student or teacher motivation. In the past, adopters have sponsored parties for students with good behavior or for those who make the honor roll, said McLaurin Elementary School Principal Pam Sandel. &uot;Any time we have a special event (the adopters) come out and lend their time,&uot;&160;she said.

The Natchez-Adams School District held a meeting Tuesday to kick off this year’s program. Representatives from many of the 25 businesses which have signed up for the program attended the kick-off. &uot;It really does take a lot of people to educate our boys and girls,&uot; said Superintendent Dr. Carl Davis. &uot;This afternoon is a great time for the school district.&uot;

Davis said, the adopters can help in many ways – not just through financial donations. &uot;We need your time,&uot;&160;he said. &uot;We need you to give of your time.&uot;

For example, the district has mentoring programs which need help, he said. And, individuals and groups are also being encouraged to participate by adopting either a class or a student.

Natchez Mayor Larry L. &uot;Butch&uot; Brown praised the city for its commitment to volunteering.

&uot;The volunteer spirit in in this community is among the best in America,&uot; Brown said. &uot;This program here is a true success story.&uot;

Brown called the school district a fine school system but said its students still need community support. &uot;What we have to do is to continue to prop them up,&uot; Brown said.