Someone once said, &uot;Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.&uot; We disagree. Those who teach can — and do.

They inspire and educate.

They model compassion and commitment.

They spark excitement for learning and living.

Teachers help students learn how to do the right thing — whether it’s studying for a test or making a moral choice.

And, most important, their lessons — from books and from their hearts — help children put in place the tools and experiences they need to lead productive, successful and purposeful lives.

As two of our area schools –&160;Holy Family and Cathedral — celebrate a national week dedicated to the importance of Catholic education, administrators, parents and students at those schools will take time this week to recognize and thank their teachers for the important work they do each day.

And, in the Natchez-Adams School District, some of the best teachers have earned public recognition.

The district’s teachers of the year — Vera Dunmore, J.L. Hammitte, Kathy Guyer, Karen Jones, Barbara Frye, Carol Merritt, Sue Fountain and district-wide winner Nick Peterman — have been cited for the work they do at each of their campuses.

It’s recognition well-deserved, for them and for all the other teachers who give of their talents and time each day to educate our children.

And we congratulate those who earned these &uot;teacher of the year&uot; honors … those who obviously set a high standard for all educators to emulate.

Most important, we stop today to remember that those who teach — in whatever capacity — are truly blessed, indeed.