By Jill Strickland Luse
We made it through a miraculous, in-person school year that I’m sure we all will remember FOREVER!
As I watched the honors and awards being given to the 2022 graduating class at the Maynard Jackson High School (MJHS) Visions Ceremony on May 22, I could only imagine the excitement, anxiety, and hope those graduates are experiencing. What an emotion-filled time in their lives and their parents and loved ones’ lives.
It was an honor to be there to award the First in Family Scholarship to Kimberly Sanchez who is on her way to Kennesaw State University with an extra $1,000 from the PTSA this fall. I heard her family from the top bleachers screaming her name and clapping with such pride.
Kimberly’s family was part of the larger chorus of applause, cheers, and shouts that came from fellow graduates and families filling the floor, bleachers, and sidelines throughout the morning. It was simply moving to witness this loving support.
Whatever role we play in an MJHS student’s life—as parent, guardian, family, friend, teacher, principal, coach, or staff—the support we give our teens during these critical high school years ought to be extraordinary. We get this one chance to get high school right for them. The Visions Ceremony and pride exchanged in that gymnasium reflected how we are all aiming “to get it right” for the children.
It has been a pleasure to serve as PTSA president alongside some super parents—Chris Harbaugh, Vendredi Hardeman, Rachel Quartarone, Jenny Rogers, Alissa Wagner, and Terry Wallace. Their dedication, creativity, and commitment to our children are real.
Thank you for entrusting me with this role.
Have a great and safe summer!
