NATCHEZ&045;The Natchez-Adams School District held an award ceremony and luncheon on Tuesday to salute Partners-in-Education.

Natchez Mayor Hank Smith presented Morgantown Elementary School with the Mayor’s Award for outstanding partnership.

Partners in Education involves businesses, industries and volunteers with education by adopting a school, group or classroom. The purpose is to promote the educational growth of the school as well as to provide publicity and a community bond for business.

Each entity that becomes a partner appoints a representative to plan with the school Partners in Education Committee. Each school will appoint a chairperson and committee to meet and plan activities with representatives from the entity.

All committee work will be reported to the district level coordinator at the central office and Partners in Education Advisory Council. The council will be made up of school and business representatives who will meet three times a year to plan activities for the adopt-a-school program.

Morgantown’s plan involved constructing an outdoor classroom and a day to Christmas shop for community children.

Mistress of Ceremonies and Director of Public Relations for the school district, Millicent Mayo said partners contribute their service, money and donate items. One hour of service equal about $16 per day and after adding that to donations and money Partners for Education’s total budget amounts to about $130,000.

Interim Superintendent Mary Kate Garvin surprised Mayo by honoring her for building partners from 35 four years ago to 102 today.

&uot;It takes a community to make a successful school district and a school district to make a successful community,&uot; Garvin said.

&uot;I firmly believe we have some of the best teachers, administrators and definitely the best students,&uot; she said.

Natchez Community Hospital and Natchez Police Department were also honored for being partners for 10 years.

Golden Achievement awards were presented to Morgantown Elementary, Frazier, West Primary, Robert-Lewis Middle School and Natchez High School for their achievements throughout the past year.Natchez High School was also recognized for the most improved partnership.

During the last moments of the luncheon, Susan Mingee of Frasier Primary stood up to pay tribute to one of the school district’s and Frasier’s longtime partner. With tears streaming down her face she recognized all of the time and effort of International Paper employees with the announcement that a school playground and courtyard would be dedicated to the Natchez Mill, which plans to shutdown this summer.