Friday, September 28, 2001

The Natchez Democrat

When Tommy Molden and his wife, Tonnett, decided they wanted

to move closer to her hometown they never thought they would end

up quite so close.

&uot;To be honest, we thought we we’d end up in Jackson,&uot;

said the new ninth-grade principal at Natchez High School.

But after applying for the position, the ball quickly started

rolling leading the Moldens and their three daughters to move

from Atlanta to Natchez this summer.

Molden, who is in his seventh year in education and fourth

year in administration, is bringing his experience to students

who are not much different from students in Atlanta. &uot;The

only difference I see in the kids is the place,&uot; Molden said.

Young people want to know you honestly care about them, he

said.

As ninth-grade principal, Molden is responsible for working

with the ninth-grade students, their teachers and their parents.

At this age level, students need to be reminded that what they

do at an early age can affect their future, Molden said.

&uot;Some don’t understand when (they) fail classes how it

will affect the rest of high school,&uot; Molden said.

How they start the race will determine how or when they finish

that race, he said.

&uot;What I’m trying to instill in a lot of them right now

is that understanding,&uot; he said.