Passing the Baton

I've always loved to watch the relay races at a track meet. As a high school student I had the privilege of running the first leg of the 4 x 100 relay race. The event requires that you have 4 fast runners, but it also requires 3 handoffs of the baton. As we saw in the Olympics with the United States relay races, the handoff is a crucial part of the race. It doesn't matter how fast you are: If you're unable to pass the baton to the next runner within the space allowed, or without dropping the baton, you will not be able to finish the race.

Mandarin Christian School is facing one of those important handoff points of our ministry. I'm proud to announce that beginning on Monday, September 22, I will have the privilege to pass the baton of leadership to a beloved and respected member of the Jacksonville academic and Christian community, when we welcome Dr. Milton H. Threadcraft, as the new Headmaster at Mandarin Christian School.

Dr. Threadcraft comes to MCS with over 30 years of experience in the field of education, having served as Principal at Ribault Junior High School, Northwestern Junior High School, Mandarin Senior High School, William M. Raines Senior High School, and Paxon Senior High School. Dr. Threadcraft and his family have been active members of Mandarin Christian Church and Christ's Church for over five years. Dr. Threadcraft is regarded highly for his Christian walk, leadership skills, mentoring and team building philosophy, ability to motivate students and staff, and an enthusiastic love for children and families. He is a gifted communicator and proven leader with a deep faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.

Please join the MCS school board and staff in welcoming Dr. Threadcraft and his family into the MCS family. For those of us who've had the opportunity to get to know Dr. Threadcraft, it is evident that God has uniquely prepared him in his professional and Christian journey to be ready to take the baton and complete the race that is before us.