Henson: Don't forget the impact schools have on youth

By: Hayley Henson | Morganton News Herald
Published: November 08, 2009

Statesboro, GA --

With the school board election stealing headlines, I feel that we should keep in mind what it is that Burke County Public Schools stands for, as well as the successes that become it, and not just the negative or positive impact of the school board's recent decisions. Although a new board is soon to be impaneled, let us not forget how BCPS has positively benefited each and every one of us.
As a former BCPS student and a current college student surrounded by over 20,000 peers who were also members of a public school system, I feel that I have benefited from attending the public schools in Burke County. Despite the negative attention recently in the local news media, all former and current BCPS faculty members have contributed to my success in college at Georgia Southern University in one way or another.
As a student, I was a member of the Superintendent's Student Council led by Mr. David Burleson. During his time with BCPS this council, which included students from each of the area middle and high schools, met and discussed with Mr. Burleson positive and negative items relating to our school system. I feel this opportunity was beneficial in that it taught me to interact with individuals from other areas, which is similar to my experiences in college interacting with students from different states and countries.
In addition to the council, I also attended two high schools while enrolled in BCPS. As a pre-sport management major, I was interested in a sports marketing class offered during my senior year at East Burke High School. As a student at Freedom, I was given permission to cross-enroll at both high schools during the first semester of my senior year. Although I was the "rival" student, Mrs. Leslie Plemmons (the marketing teacher) and the students and staff at East Burke accepted me as if I wasn't a "Patriot" in "Cavalier" territory. I am grateful that BCPS was willing to work with me when a course I was interested in wasn't offered at my high school.
The teachers and counselors employed by BCPS also deserve credit for my successful transition here at Georgia Southern. My high school counselor, Amanda Peck, was always willing to go above and beyond in order to be sure I had the credits I needed as well as the extracurricular activities to stand out on my resume among a sea of college applications. My former teachers also were always willing to lend a helping hand. On a recent trip home, I needed help on a college algebra assignment. Although she's no longer my algebra teacher, Tyra Jones took time to further explain each problem to help me gain a better understanding. The dedication of BCPS teachers helps to encourage and provide confidence in each student as they transition onward to further their education.
Although I am unable to be in Burke County for the election, my vote will still be included in the results. However, my main concern is this: be sure to remember what it is Burke County Public Schools stands for. One's success as a student or an adult in a desired career path all can be traced back to the experiences one had in BCPS. I am example of how an intelligent superintendent and a willing faculty can influence and instill successful qualities in each student who transitions through BCPS into college and beyond.

Henson: Don't forget the impact schools have on youth

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