Honoring the legacy of late Senator Barbara Jordan, local middle school students participated in their very own election Oct. 24, with students at Odom and Vincent middle schools taking to the polls to select their favorite staff member in an election headed by the Barbara Jordan Leadership Institute.
Christian Guillory, a Southeast Texas native and Lamar University graduate, serves as the field director for the Barbara Jordan Leadership Institute and is passionate about continuing the work of the legendary Texas senator.
“I think, when we turn 18, we get an idea of the importance of the president and who is running our country and how that affects our lives, but the middle school students see that same importance in their teachers and see them as someone who makes a difference in their lives,” said Guillory. “So, we wanted to give them a platform to vote their voice.”
Hundreds of students engaged with volunteers from the Barbara Jordan Leadership Institute and cast their votes for favorite staff member, complete with receipt of their very own “I voted” sticker and the anticipation of being able to reward the winner.
As the first black woman elected to the Texas Senate and one of the first black women elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Jordan dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of marginalized communities and ensuring equal protection under the law. A powerful orator and legislator, Jordan is particularly remembered for her advocacy for voting rights, especially through her work on the Voting Rights Act extension of 1975, which helped secure protections for minority voters.
“We wanted to give younger kids a good perspective when it comes to the elections and familiarize them with the process before they are asked to vote in a general election,” said Guillory, championing the notion that children offered insight to the election process are more likely to become engaged adults who value their rights and feel a sense of duty to contribute to society.
“Your vote is your power, and we want to be sure our children know that,” said Guillory.
The students of Odom Academy selected 8th-grade U.S. History teacher Josh Windham as their favorite staff member. Windham is also the Student Council sponsor, Webmaster for Odom and a three-subject UIL coach.
Students at Vincent Middle School selected 7th-grade reading teacher Anancia Johnson. Passionate about helping all students succeed, Johnson is heralded for focus on building relationships with her students that encourage them to reach their full potential.
Bonus input for BISD stakeholders
Beaumont ISD launched its 5th Annual Vision Week, a two-week event aimed at gathering input from students, families, staff and community members, Oct. 22, with stakeholders allotted through Nov. 1 to share thoughts and ideas on how BISD can enhance the educational experience and improve services.
The input received will reportedly “help shape the district’s strategic direction and ensure that BISD offers enriching learning environments, positive workspaces and productive community engagement,” BISD communication stated.
Participants can share their vision by visiting www.bmtisd.com/visionweek24. For more information, visit www.bmtisd.com or contact the Beaumont ISD Office of Innovation.