Growing up, my favorite toys were my Schleich horses. They slept on my
pillow with me, and as my day began, theirs did too. I’d walk through my kitchen
while they jumped and galloped across the counters beside me. I’d play in the mud
as they tried to navigate the treacherous terrain and reach for the soaring
butterflies. And when bath time rolled around, they were right there with me:
sometimes swimming serenely, other times battling sea monsters. After the many
years I played with them and the thousands of trials they faced, those horses—
boasting scratches, flaking paint, and chipped hooves—were no longer the same
ones I began with. Not only had their appearances changed, but their identities had
also metamorphosed throughout our journey together, just as mine had.
The search for treasure often transforms the seeker. This is true of myself
and all the staff and contributors to The Magnet. We have had all hands on deck for
months to complete this publication, but after weathering the storm, I believe we
can all say that the challenges, growth, and lessons gained along the way will
endure. I am ever grateful for the opportunity I have had to spread my wings by
working with this year’s wonderful executive team. Truly, they have inspired me
and taught me so much about cooperation, dedication, and creativity.
We give many thanks to Tennessee Industrial Printing for their continued
assistance in the publishing process. We are very grateful to Havner’s Frame Shop
for allowing us to celebrate our hard work and show our accomplishments to the
community. We also want to acknowledge and thank the Jackson Madison County
Schools and their Innovation department, for this publication would not be possible
without them.
As you open this volume, remember that even though we may be sailing into
uncharted waters, this journey we’re taking together is a transformative one. Every
treasure discovered along the way will leave its mark on the hands—and the
heart—that found it.
