New KJHS principal Logan Cheek is a product of the Kosciusko school system and grew up with an appreciation of education. “My parents (Stephen and Sherry Cheek) pushed education and let me know that school is important. If not for their reinforcement, I would not be here today. We were in school no matter what,” Cheek said.That foundation helped lead Cheek into a career in education. He finished his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Mississippi State, and is currently working his thirteenth year in education.“I am excited and nervous at the same time. Sometimes I can’t believe this is happening,” said Cheek of his new position. He is quick to give credit where credit is due, however. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the good foundation Mrs. McElwain laid and without the great assistance of assistant principals Glenn Stevens and Macy Wilbanks. I have learned a lot from them, and they have held my feet to the fire,” Cheek said. “I have a great team and we work together so well.”Cheek said there are differences between Lower and the junior high in terms of operations.“One of the things I realized upon moving from Lower to here is that the elementary principals do everything without the help of assistants. Even though I’ve always held them in high regard, even more kudos to them,” he said. “I am very fortunate to have two strong assistants in Glenn and Macy. I tell everyone that I have inherited a Mercedes and can’t wreck it!” Cheek said he has a few specific goals in preparing students for the future. “In a nutshell, we want our students to be prepared for high school. It is always a juggling act between grades, and we have to know our audience,” he said. “Sixth graders are still in the elementary mindset, seventh grade is a good transition year, and eighth graders need to be ready for high school.”Those adolescent years can be rough on some children.“Of course, historically, adolescence is a rough age, and that is the age that populates the junior high, so our staff tries to be sensitive to those needs as well,” Cheek said.The junior high is currently the highest scoring school in the district, and Cheek plans to continue that tradition. “I have a wonderful staff with excellent teachers that I count on. Testing is lots of pressure, but we have good kids and know that they will excel,” said Cheek.Another goal Cheek the new principal has is teacher recruitment. “I have wonderful teachers here, but those legacy teachers do retire, and we want great teachers in their place,” Cheek said.The principal said he hopes families will work directly with him.“I really want to give students and parents what they want. Unfortunately, with social media, the least little negative thing can explode when parents just need to share concerns with me so that I can address them,” he said. “I want to explode with the positive and not focus on the negative. Kosciusko takes a lot of pride in its school system, and I want to continue that.”Cheek said outside of academics, he enjoys the school sports. “Its fun be at baseball right now, and I’m looking forward to a great season,” he said.The new principal said he is also proud of the Skipworth Performing Arts Center, located on the junior high campus. “It is jaw-dropping. I am already getting a lot of requests to reserve it for various functions,” he said. “It is really great and a wonderful thing to have for Kosciusko and central Mississippi.”While he misses his experience at Lower Elementary, he says he is happy to be where he is now.“I miss Lower and I enjoy seeing the kids I taught there when I am out in the community. But I love being at the junior high, and I understand the children and the environment. It is a different kind of fun, but one I really like,” Cheek said. “The pace here is nonstop, making sure that everyone from the janitors to the teachers have everything they need. I am enjoying it and doing my best to make sure that everything is going well.” Cheek is a member of First United Methodist Church, where he is a part of the Passion Play. He is also a member of Trinity Lodge 88.
