Natchez High School Principal Eric Jackson celebrates with the NHS cheerleaders. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Natchez-Adams School District Superintendent Fred Butcher. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Morgantown assistant principal Michael Brown, foreground, gets into the celebration. Students begin the school year today. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Educators and administrators from the Natchez-Adams School District kicked off the new school year Monday morning with a high-energy and spirited convocation at the Natchez Convention Center. McLaurin Elementary School security officer Lyvonne Dixon waves her blue and gold pompoms during the event. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Cathedral preschoolers walk down the school hallway decorated with hammerhead sharks, sea turtles and other under sea creatures. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Cathedral preschoolers walk down the school hallway decorated with hammerhead sharks, sea turtles and other under sea creatures. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Holy Family kindergarten teacher Faye Barnes teaches her class about the super power of learning on the first day of class Monday. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)