The faculty and staff of Mathews County Public Schools were asked to reach for the impossible in their quest to improve students’ lives as they gathered together Tuesday morning in the Mathews High School auditorium for the division’s annual Opening Day Convocation.

And, to inspire them to achieve the impossible, the employees in attendance heard from retired MHS teacher and coach Tom Holaday, who told stories of several students who found success with his help, as well as the guidance of his colleagues and the community.

Holaday, who had a 30-year career in education, including 16 years at MHS, was confronted with a life-threatening health condition which caused him to reflect on his legacy. As he waited two long weeks for his diagnosis, he started to think about his purpose in life as a teacher and coach.

“It’s simple,” he said. “It’s helping kids.”

He illustrated that legacy by talking about six of his former studen...