Minding the heat and humidity outside, brief remarks inside Farrell High School on Thursday introduced us to Russell Phillip's mantra.
Fair, friendly, but firm.

Outside - the confluence of that mantra, Phillips' legacy of service, and the end of a multimillion dollar addition to the elementary school; the elementary school that now and forever will bear Phillips' name.

"It's something we've been thinking about doing, talking about doing for many years," said superintendent Dr. Lora Adams-King.

"It's befitting because he was the first African-American teacher, coach, principal, assistant superintendent of schools," added Phillips' daughter Izetta. "He was a lot of 'firsts'".

And in another remarkable first, the school is the first public building in Mercer County to be named for an African-American.
Phillips' family - many educators themselves - educated the community on the impact he made on so many outside the school walls.

"He was able to help develop others from the Church of God nationally to positions of prominence in their own communities," said Russell's brother Dr. James Phillips.

Inside the school walls, "there will be a photo in the main hallway of Mr. Phillips, a plaque, but also a brief bio," said Dr. Adams-King. "So students and anyone who comes down that hallway and looks at it will know why this building is named after this individual."

And reminded to be fair, friendly but firm.
A lasting testimony to a life well lived, and a mantra we can all live ours by.