Tour of Schools
I couldn't think of a better way to kick off my tour of North Carolina schools than by visiting the school that I know best. I spoke to Ledford High School in Thomasville, NC on Wednesday. I am a member of the Class of 2002.
It's funny because I don't remember my class song, who won a senior superlative, or anything of that nature. However, I do remember every teacher I have had from pre-school through high school. Many of my high school teachers remain at Ledford and it was a blast from the past to visit with them before my presentation. I have to admit that, later that day, I called all of my high school girlfriends to share that I had caught up with so many people.
This school visit was particularly meaningful because my brother Drew is a Ledford senior. While most boys his age would be embarrassed for an older sibling to address him and his peers on topics such as good decision-making and anti-smoking, mine is so confident and self-assured that being embarrassed would never cross his mind. In fact, the poor guy has had to learn to cope with such things, especially this year. My sister recently studied abroad in China and is now studying in Egypt and the reports she writes for the local newspaper are plastered all over the bulletin boards at school. And he thought that she and I had gotten out of town a long time ago...
He, along with eleven other eager students, willingly came down to the floor of the gym to participate in some audience participation activities. Most of them were well-informed and able to answer the tobacco quiz questions, but my brother didn't do so well. And to think, I could have helped him to study the night before in preparation for the big exam! One of the most delightful students I met was a sophomore with Ausberger's Syndrome, a mild form of autism. While waiting to answer the questions, he shared how nervous he was to be in front of so many people and moved back and forth in anticipation. I replied that I understand what it's like to be nervous; it's not easy to get up in front of a crowd. It heartened me to see all of the students in the gym clap for him and cheer him on. Following the presentation, teachers and administrators shared that everyone really embraces him. I am proud to see that my high school continues to be such a wonderful, accepting environment.
I am looking forward to being impressed by all the other high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools that I visit. September will be full of similar presentations and programs on literacy as well. Many may wonder why I look forward to these visits; they assume that students are not receptive. I have found, however, that this is not the case. A couple days following my Ledford presentation I met a woman at a festival. She shared with me that her son came home and relayed all that I had talked about at school. She said she was surprised that he did not even mention the crown; he stuck with the message! This encourages me and demonstrates the power of speaking.
Watch for a list of more schools on the tour ... and here it is!
Jessica
It's funny because I don't remember my class song, who won a senior superlative, or anything of that nature. However, I do remember every teacher I have had from pre-school through high school. Many of my high school teachers remain at Ledford and it was a blast from the past to visit with them before my presentation. I have to admit that, later that day, I called all of my high school girlfriends to share that I had caught up with so many people.
This school visit was particularly meaningful because my brother Drew is a Ledford senior. While most boys his age would be embarrassed for an older sibling to address him and his peers on topics such as good decision-making and anti-smoking, mine is so confident and self-assured that being embarrassed would never cross his mind. In fact, the poor guy has had to learn to cope with such things, especially this year. My sister recently studied abroad in China and is now studying in Egypt and the reports she writes for the local newspaper are plastered all over the bulletin boards at school. And he thought that she and I had gotten out of town a long time ago...
He, along with eleven other eager students, willingly came down to the floor of the gym to participate in some audience participation activities. Most of them were well-informed and able to answer the tobacco quiz questions, but my brother didn't do so well. And to think, I could have helped him to study the night before in preparation for the big exam! One of the most delightful students I met was a sophomore with Ausberger's Syndrome, a mild form of autism. While waiting to answer the questions, he shared how nervous he was to be in front of so many people and moved back and forth in anticipation. I replied that I understand what it's like to be nervous; it's not easy to get up in front of a crowd. It heartened me to see all of the students in the gym clap for him and cheer him on. Following the presentation, teachers and administrators shared that everyone really embraces him. I am proud to see that my high school continues to be such a wonderful, accepting environment.
I am looking forward to being impressed by all the other high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools that I visit. September will be full of similar presentations and programs on literacy as well. Many may wonder why I look forward to these visits; they assume that students are not receptive. I have found, however, that this is not the case. A couple days following my Ledford presentation I met a woman at a festival. She shared with me that her son came home and relayed all that I had talked about at school. She said she was surprised that he did not even mention the crown; he stuck with the message! This encourages me and demonstrates the power of speaking.
Watch for a list of more schools on the tour ... and here it is!
Jessica
