I had the honor to receive the Stellar Performer Award at the 2015 Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala. In addition to being joined by my family and staff, my special guests included two Fairview Elementary families from Jennings with their children and my 5th grade teacher, Ms. Linda Green.
Those who are blessed with the talent and gift to teach are blessed with the power to heal, inspire and truly change lives. A heartfelt thank you is extended to Donald M. Suggs and the St. Louis American Foundation for taking time to highlight teachers as we share what is working in underserved communities and promote equitable educational opportunities.
Coincidentally, the day of the Salute on September 25 was the anniversary of the day the “Little Rock Nine” students entered Central High 58 years ago under heavily armed guard. The Jennings football players were hosted in Little Rock on Friday on September 25. These student athletes toured the school while other Jennings students celebrated equity in education at the Salute, applauding students who were being awarded scholarships to go to postsecondary schools.
Demands for greater equity in education 58 years ago still ring true today, and Salute scholarships are one amazing way that the St. Louis American Foundation is leveling the playing field for youth to have the opportunities they so richly deserve.
My Fairview students who accepted the award with me did so on behalf of all of the teachers like Ms. Linda Green who improved the lives of many. If Linda Green had not graced the halls of Jackson Park in University City 30 years ago when I was in 5th grade, my path and the path of many students like me would not have been the same.
This tall, joyful lady – who resembled Flo from the 1980s hit show “Mel’s Diner” – taught us to be courageous and modeled the importance of having high expectations for ourselves as she began each day with tremendous joy and a commitment to prepare us for the future.
I salute Ms. Linda Green and all like her who inspire and uplift the quiet voices in a crowd to speak up and be a positive difference in the lives of others. My work is a direct reflection of her investment in me in her 5th grade class. At the end of 5th grade at Jackson Park, I knew I would be a teacher and would inspire others to live life to the fullest, as Mrs. Green did when she entered every day with genuine joy in teaching students that they could accomplish anything.
I encourage everyone to continue to demand equity in education and locate, honor and thank the Ms. Green in life who resulted in their becoming the person they are. Let them know they made a difference. Thank you, Ms. Linda Green, you are an inspiration!
Tiffany Anderson is superintendent of the Jennings School District.
