Why did you choose to serve on your school’s board? I am the product of a strong public education. I was well prepared for college and received two degrees in five years. When I realized I couldn’t send my son to our neighborhood school because it was failing its students, I was shocked and dismayed. Baton Rouge College Prep has given me the opportunity to do something about that for other families. I grew up very poor. My education was the key to my adult success. Every child deserves that kind of opportunity.
How did you become involved with your school? Kathryn Rice, our school director, reached out to me. After 15 minutes over coffee, I knew I had to be a part of her vision. Finding our shared passion, and getting to work with an amazing and diverse team of professionals, academic entrepreneurs and community members have made every moment I’ve invested worth it. We are changing children, families, and a whole community. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that kind of instrumental change? The promise of taking these families to college, when they never dreamed of it before, will keep me energized and on this mission for years to come.
What leadership roles have you had while serving on the board? I’m a founding Board Member and have served as Academic Achievement Committee Chair and Ad Hoc Committee Member.
How can people help your school if they are interested? We can always use financial support. But equally important is manpower. Because we have limited dollars with which to do what other schools have far greater resources to accomplish, every minute someone helps us recruit families, paint classrooms, exercise with students, or guide our school is a great gift.