Moose in the Brush - one of Goodwin's paintings that will be available at silent auction

Graves County art teacher Jack Goodwin began his career at the high school in 1985 when the new high school opened. This year will be his last. He will retire after the 2012 Class graduates in mid-May.

Goodwin has fostered student talent and student achievement. He leaves behind a long tradition of encouraging students. He will also leave behind an art scholarship. Assistance will go to an art student who has a monetary need to be used in conjunction with whatever grants that student can obtain. Financial need and grades in the visual arts will be the sole requisites.

One of his graduates, Reggie Spicer, reminisced recently on what Mr. Goodwin did for her when she was a student. She told Paul Schaumburg that she had taken art classes since elementary school. Goodwin saw her talent and encouraged her.

“He saw something in me that others didn’t see. He gave me the first award I ever had, which was called the Art Award. That’s the only thing I’ve ever won and it’s still with me! It gave me a little confidence; I had no plans for college whatsoever, wasn’t even looking at schools. I was a country girl and he gave me a chance. I didn’t get all the way right then, but I ended up finding my way just because of him.”

According to Schaumburg, throughout April, a number of his paintings and those of his students will be on display in the Graves County Schools’ Performing Arts Center Gallery.  Goodwin’s paintings will be sold through a silent auction. Bids can be made throughout April. All proceeds will go into a fund to award a scholarship each year in Goodwin’s name.

Spicer summed up Goodwin’s help to her as she developed as an artist. “ When I had my first private show, he was kind enough to attend and that was the most special guest who showed up. I remember him telling me that I could do it. I just knew in the back of my mind that he always knew I could do it. He is amazing!”