Henry County Schools Celebrates Future Educators Signing Day

Submission Date: May 18, 2021

Release Date:  For Immediate Release

Contact: J.D. Hardin, 770-957-6601 ext. 01161, john.hardin@henry.k12.ga.us

(Release # 0057-05-2021)

 

Henry County Schools Celebrates Future Educators Signing Day

Thirty-one students ink names in pledge to become educators after college

HENRY COUNTY, GA – In what has become a featured event over the past several years, Henry County Schools once again hosted a Future Educators Signing Day ceremony to celebrate a new group of students pledging to become teachers after completing their college coursework.

Over 30 high school seniors made their pledge official by signing their names on the dotted line signifying their commitment to going to college for the purpose of studying to become a teacher.

“Becoming a teacher is one of the most rewarding careers anyone can choose as it is the one career that paves the way for all students to learn and become whatever they desire to be,” said Chief Human Resources Officer Valerie Suessmith.  “Henry County Schools has a great education career pathway that gives us the opportunity to teach and foster a passion for the profession. Our hope is that this exposure and celebration of teaching will lead our students back to work in the school district responsible for sparking their interest in the field of education.”

The ceremony, part of a statewide event with the Georgia Department of Education, was held virtually on Tuesday, May 4.  Students were able to take part in the celebratory moment with representatives from various colleges and universities virtually present, as well as members of the board of education, district leaders, school administrators, and the students’ family members.

Students who were recognized during the district’s event included:

Name                                      High School                           College Attending

Zadia Batten                           Eagle’s Landing HS                Mercer University

Taylor Blakeney                      Eagle’s Landing HS                Savannah State University

Adriana Brown                        Eagle’s Landing HS                Georgia Southern University

Allyson Brownlow                   Ola HS                                     University of Alabama

Brielle Byrd                             McDonough HS                      Savannah State University

Haylee Davidson                     Locust Grove HS                    Young Harris College

Tanya Dumas                         Stockbridge HS                       Georgia Military College

Destiny Estrada                      Locust Grove HS                    Valdosta State University

LaKendra Hale                        McDonough HS                      Gordon State College

Indigo Hall                               Union Grove HS                     Georgia State University

Carly Hendricks                      Stockbridge HS                       Brenau University

Denise Houston                      Stockbridge HS                       Fort Valley State University

Tekira Jackson                        McDonough HS                      Georgia Gwinnett College

Calvin Jenks                           Stockbridge HS                       Georgia State University

Noelle Kindred                        Luella HS                                Kennesaw State University

Theorah Loudermilk                Locust Grove HS                    Wesleyan College

McKenzie Mays                      Locust Grove HS                    Kennesaw State University

Whitney McGruder                  McDonough HS                      North Carolina A&T State University

Clarke McKoy                         Dutchtown HS                         Tuskegee University

Janyia Mendoza-Morgan        Eagle’s Landing HS                College of Mount Saint Vincent

Melissa Mendoza-Mora          Stockbridge HS                       Clayton State University

Jaquareus Montford                McDonough HS                      Valdosta State University

Ja’nyi Redding                        McDonough HS                      Savannah State University

Daijah Richards                      Stockbridge HS                       Alabama State University

Emilee Robinson                     Union Grove HS                     Georgia Southern University

Teresa Robinson                    Luella HS                                Middle Georgia State University

Helene Rosen                         Locust Grove HS                    Georgia Southern University

Julissa Sanchez                      Woodland HS                         Brewton-Parker College

Destiny Thurman                     Luella HS                                Albany State University

Lura Wiernicki                         Union Grove HS                     Georgia College & State University

Ajah Williams                          Eagle’s Landing HS                Albany State University

Henry County Schools continues its efforts to place a greater emphasis on the education career track.  Enrollment in education pathways at post-secondary institutions has declined in recent years and school systems all across the state are finding that filling teaching slots is a bit more challenging.  Participation in events such as the signing day is one more unique way for a local school system to draw positive attention and enhance recruitment efforts to its most needed position.

For more information on Henry County Schools, visit www.henry.k12.ga.us.

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