Siloam Springs School District personnel gathered Wednesday morning for the Back to School Breakfast at the high school.
The breakfast was hosted by the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce. Approximately 71 new personnel were welcomed by Superintendent Jody Wiggins.
Dr. Ed Erricson, the vice president for academic affairs at John Brown University, also introduced 10 new personnel for JBU.
After the introductions, school district personnel played "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?" with students who are going into the fifth grade this year.
Wiggins did not introduce the new personnel individually, but instead introduced them by campus. Wiggins also recognized the school board, support personnel and the chamber for the event.
"I am excited to be here," Wiggins said.
Keynote speaker Brian Jackson, the president of Hight-Jackson Associates, the presenting sponsor for this year's breakfast, spoke about his history with the high school and how Hight-Jackson helped design the high school.
"As a business person, it excites me to see you guys and what you do especially in these challenging times," Jackson said.
He acknowledged there would be some challenges and pivots as well as trying times but said everyone can persevere.
Alternative Design's Public Relations Manager Patti Eiland spoke about the impact teachers make on their students.
"Something each of you does everyday impacts the life of a young person, and with all of the things that you do keep that in mind," Eiland said.
She concluded by saying she hoped everyone had a wonderful, safe and healthy year and that they are appreciated.
Erricson then introduced the new JBU faculty members and after he finished, school district personnel played "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader." The principals from each building competed along with fifth grade students Coleson and Kate Blackfox; Gretchen Herndon and Carson Thomas to answer knowledge questions.
Following the game, door prizes were given out by chamber staff and ambassadors.
The big winners were Stephanie Simpson, second grade resource and third through eighth grade virtual resource, who won $100 from Siloam Heating and Air and Northside Assistant Principal Brandy Fox who won $500 from Dr. Van Dyck Dentistry.
