NIXA, Mo. -- Monday, Espy Elementary students learned a whole new meaning to the word perseverance.
Perseverance was Espy's character word of the month; students tried to embody it's meaning. Joplin's superintendent, Dr. C.J. Huff, was Espy's principal from 2000 to 2004. He was invited by staff memebers to speak to the grade schoolers about examples of that important word that's helping Joplin rebuild.
"When you ride a bike," Dr. Huff said, "you get back on and try it again and again."
A valuable lesson Huff passed along was to look beyond yourself like the waves of volunteers who flocked to Joplin following the EF5.
Huff and his Joplin Schools' staff have been there for their students and community - helping create a world of difference in 351 days.
"This year has gone by fast," Dr. Huff said. "We've been through a lot and celebrated a lot as well."
"Dr Huff has done a super job for Joplin," Dr. Stephen Kleinsmith, Nixa's superintendent said. "That doesn't surprise us. When he was here he did a super job and carried on with that leadership from here over the years."
