SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT

Ms. Gwen Jallah works at John Marshall High School as the Coaches in the Classrooms Coordinator. Jallah as she is fondly called throughout the halls of John Marshall has the “it” factor when it comes to teaching and caring about youth. She goes above and beyond for families, for students, and for her co-workers every day. She greets everyone with a big smile and takes the time to listen to parents and students alike in her cozy, snack-filled office. Jallah walks kids out to their parents when she sees them after practice or at a game and brags to those parents about the good things their kids are doing! She makes connections, she is real, and she is someone you want to be around!

Erin Campbell is a kindergarten teacher at Chimborazo Elementary in Church Hill. Parents, administrators, other teachers and students truly ALL rave about Ms. Campbell

Here is what Erin says she loves most about teaching…

“What I love best about teaching are the chances I get everyday to turn challenges into opportunities for my young students! I have met some amazing kids and wonderful families in my teaching career. I am in a unique position, as a kindergarten teacher, in that I am able to get to know students at the beginning of their educational journeys and see them learn, grow, and flourish as they move through fifth grade! I love getting visits from former students who usually want to share a piece of their writing with me or recommend a favorite book to share with my kindergarteners!”

Samiya Jackson and Zakiyyah Shabazz, two 12th graders at Thomas Jefferson High School are amazing people.  First, they are both incredibly smart and hard-working. Samiya will be attending Xavier College in the fall and Zakiyyah will be going to Old Dominion University. Second, they both fully understand the importance of giving back to their communities and helping others along the way.  Samiya noticed a genuine need in her school for effective student leaders and so she created a club, solicited support and was able to take action to improve her school community. Zakiyyah has been working throughout her high school career to gather leadership skills and to inspire others, she is going to ODU to obtain a degree in business administration and wants to open her own hair salon after college.  The city of Richmond is ever so proud of you both!

Stephanie Mitchell, a secretary at TJ High School, goes above and beyond for students, staff, and parents on a daily basis. Ms. Mitchell is someone who collaborates with others to make great things happen. She worked with staff members  to create an unforgettable Homecoming Week that culminated with around 200 students dancing until the very last song and enjoying a fully stocked buffet of snacks. Stephanie organized the Trunk or Treat community event where students and staff at TJ passed out candy to celebrate Halloween with neighborhood families. As her most recent project, Ms. Mitchell is working as a sponsor for the Coaches in the Classrooms program at TJ. The Coaches in the Classroom program helps student-athletes prepare for success while promoting the ideals of positive youth development through sport and community service. Student-athletes at TJ will be meeting with students at Fisher Elementary for this project.

Students in the IB program at TJ High School, Victor Green, Camryn Forbes, Antonio Kornegay, and Samiya Jackson have worked with other students in their program to create flyers and reach out to the public in order to achieve their goal of obtaining 150 coats to give out to homeless individuals this winter.

Check out Anwar Wilson-Bradley, a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School. He is pictured here with his mom, Tianna, and his little brother, Aaron. During TJ’s Homecoming game against Glen Allen, Anwar had 15 carries, 314 yards, and 4 touchdowns in a 55-49 win over Glen Allen.   This is Anwar’s third year playing for the TJ Vikings as a scholar athlete. His favorite subject is English. Anwar is looking forward to playing football in college and his biggest inspiration is his family.

Richmond Public Schools administrative team coordinating volunteer efforts with STAY RVA! Sandy Wheeler, Kenita Bowers, Lori Coker, and Ty Toepke each possess a hands-on approach to making great things happen for our students and our schools.