Dear Mount Olive Families,

As the pages of summer begin to fade and the first days of a new school year are quickly approaching, I want to take a moment to share my gratitude, my excitement, and my deep belief in the incredible community we are building together at Mount Olive.

Although I stepped into the role of Interim Superintendent this past spring, this new school year marks the beginning of our shared journey in earnest. And what a time it is to begin. The stories featured in this summer issue of The Olive Branch are not just accounts of student achievements or dedicated staff—they’re reflections of our values, our resilience, and our uniquely Mount Olive way of doing things.

You’ll meet a custodian who has become a quiet champion of kindness, and a band director whose own battles have sharpened his ability to lift others. You’ll read about three remarkable retirees whose legacies span decades and classrooms, leaving behind stories of devotion, grit, and warmth. You’ll hear from a board member whose perspective ties together the bricks of our school buildings with the beliefs that support them.

In this issue, you’ll also find students taking the lead—from our young volunteers stepping into big shoes, to a standout athlete chasing records with humility and drive. You’ll visit the bass fishing team, where hooks and heart combine to offer something bigger than sport. And you’ll even hear from a determined grant-seeker who proves that when passion meets purpose, resources follow.

Our food pantry volunteers, mural-painting eighth graders, and the touching tribute of a tree planted in memory remind us that Mount Olive is a place that sees each student, honors each contribution, and remembers that education doesn’t stop when the bell rings. Here, learning shows up in the form of leadership, compassion, service, and creativity—not just in our students, but in all who surround them.

The truth is, the strength of Mount Olive doesn’t come from any one individual. It comes from all of us. From those who teach and coach to those who serve and support, to every parent who shows up and every neighbor who cheers them on. We are charting a path that is inclusive, imaginative, and unwavering in its support for our kids.

It is my privilege to walk that path with you. Let’s make this year one of continued momentum and shared pride. Let’s hold each other to high standards and celebrate every step forward. And let’s always remember: here in Mount Olive, we don’t just talk about what’s possible—we build it.

With appreciation and excitement,

Stephanie Cann
Interim Superintendent
Mount Olive CUSD 5