This week while looking over some of the content for the newspaper, we received the dean’s list for the fall semester of 2014 from Auburn University.

I was proud not only to see my son Jacob’s name on the list as well as the names of 12 other students from Hartselle and still others from Morgan County.

Reading over the list of names. I was impressed by the number of students being honored.

To make the dean’s list at a major university is not always an easy task. To earn this distinction you must be a full-time student and earn a grade point average of at least 3.75 on a 4.0 scale.

In fact, many will share how they were happy to come out of a particular class with a “C” or “D” as their final grade.

The list covers freshmen through senior students who are taking courses in their chosen fields of study.

Therefore, across the years of study, local students are doing well.

While reading over the list, the first thought that came to mind was that along the path these students took, someone was doing their job.

Perhaps it came from their kindergarten teacher, middle school principal, high school teacher, or even their football coach.

Those educators made an impact on these and other students so their desire and ability to excel and work hard was encouraged and developed.

While many think of notoriety for their schools coming in the form of athletic competition, which is still good, this list of students, as well as other reports we receive from other schools of higher education, show we are excelling in academics as well.

From the information shared by the colleges and universities, we have future doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, journalists, pharmacists and other professions that are doing well in their collegiate studies. These young people will be making their mark in the world once they finish their education.

While Hartselle and Morgan County Schools may not have the most money spent per student, as some larger cities do, we seem to be making a mark on the lives of the students coming through the system. This fact alone proves that just spending more money does not always guarantee a good education.

The teachers, faculty, principals, administration and the local school boards are making the most out of what they have. They are putting the needs of the child’s education foremost in their daily work and plans.

Thanks to all who work and dedicate their lives to the education of our youth. They are our future.

To those who achieved high academic honors, congratulations. The hard work will pay off.

Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.