Clay Central/Everly Elementary was buzzing with excitement Tuesday morning on Day 1 of the 2021-22 school year.

IESHA TOFT/SENTINEL-NEWS

The National Anthem was sung as the flag rose during CC/E's opening ceremonies.

The day started off with students sitting next to the Maverick bell taking their turns at first-day-of-school pictures. Shortly before 9 a.m., CC/E Director of Student Services and Title 1 teacher Michelle Huntress took the mic in front of the building.

Huntress kindly spoke to the children about the exciting year ahead and how all adults in the building are teachers that should be listened to. She then reiterated that the student's job is to do the listening. Huntress introduced staff and the Maverick mascot to the children as they sat on the sidewalks eagerly waiting for the school day to begin.

The flag was then raised and National Anthem sung before students happily headed through the front doors, properly starting a new school year at CC/E.