NATCHEZ &045;&045; It takes a village to raise a child, according to an African proverb, and Frazier Primary School Principal Lorraine Franklin believes that is true.

Friday morning, businesses and organizations that are Partners in Education with Natchez-Adams Schools gathered in the Steckler Multi-Purpose Building to renew their commitments for the 2003-2004 school year, lighting candles for a new year.

These partners support the schools in many ways, but most important for principals, by coming into their schools.

&uot;It’s not about the money, it’s about the people that come and be a part,&uot; Franklin said. &uot;The kids recognize them&uot; when they see them out in Natchez.

Added Frazier librarian Susan Mingee: &uot;They’re seeing role models.&uot;

The schools not only find these partners to be &uot;wonderful&uot; for them, the community members enjoy their partnership as well.

&uot;We just want to be in partners in the community,&uot; Natchez Fire Chief Paul Johnson said, a McLaurin Elementary School partner. &uot;We want to work with the school system in anything they want to do and the kids …like to be involved with anything for the kids.&uot; Many of the partners are particularly interested in the schools with children and grandchildren attending these Natchez schools.

J.T. Robinson, a facility technician at BellSouth, represented the company Friday for its partnership with Natchez High School, the school from which his son graduated last year. &uot;I feel like there is a need for parents and organizations to be involved with the school system,&uot; he said. &uot;BellSouth is a company that likes to help out.&uot;

Some partners are not specific to just one school but are specialty partners for all schools.

Cynthia Parker Brumfield was honored Friday morning for her work with the district through the School to Careers program. She has grown this program to more than 110 students participating, and the district recognized her for her work.

One specialty partner, Natchez Mayor F.L. &uot;Hank&uot; Smith, has even initiated a Mayor’s Award for the outstanding school each year.

Friday, as he mingled with the principals while they lobbied their partners to come visit their schools, Smith offered his help.

&uot;Anything we can do, y’all let us know,&uot; he said.