NATCHEZ — After a summer of silence, the Steckler Multi-Purpose Building at Natchez High School came to life Wednesday morning for the school district’s annual Convocation.

A sea of blue and gray shirts filled the building as Natchez-Adams County School District faculty and staff filed in at 8 a.m. for some last minute announcements and encouragement before school starts on Aug. 10.

The theme of the convocation was “Believe.”

“When you believe enough to actually act, that’s called faith,” Timothy Blalock, school board president, said.

Blalock said children in the district have great potential and encouraged teachers to recognize that potential.

“This year have faith in the children of Adams County and believe that they can do more than you can possibly imagine,” Blalock said.

Mayor Larry “Butch” Brown was also present and complimented the hard work of the Natchez-Adams County School Board.

“Everything that’s happening in this school district, in my opinion, is right,” Brown said.

While Convocation was mostly used to discuss the ways teachers could serve the district in the coming year through committees, introduce new staff and get everyone excited for the upcoming year, it was also a time for recognition.

Superintendent Dr. Frederick Hill awarded plaques to honor people for their service to the district.

“Thank you for all that you do for our children and the future of our children,” Hill said.

The individuals honored were Teresa Busby, Corey Isaac, Essie Granger, Mary Armstead, Latarsha Thomas, Mary Kramer, Keila London, Orisha Mims, Roosevelt White, Chris Fulton, Diane Smith, Teresa Dixon and Jacob Pryor.

Later, keynote speaker Alan Hooker from Alan Hooker Consultants addressed the assembly. Hooker said people are not remembered because of what organization they were attached to or the money they earned.

“That money will erode away,” Hooker said.

Instead, Hooker said each member of the assembly was “writing their name on the hearts of children in Mississippi.”

The event ended with a charge for the school year, the ringing of the school bell and mandatory Code Blue training.

“I look forward to a great 2015-2016 school year,” Hill said.