Dancing Through Education: Chiquila Pearson Builds a Legacy of Dance and Theater at Gary Road Intermediate School
For more than 13 years, Chiquila Pearson of Gary Road Intermediate has blended her 25 years of dance experience with her love for teaching, embodying Hinds County School District’s theme of Love, Hope, and Leadership. “I love dance. I love teaching dance education. I love my kiddos I teach every day,” she said. “My hope is that they take every experience and grow.” Her journey began in the Exceptional Education office and later at Raymond Elementary as a kindergarten assistant before Dr. Martin encouraged her to share her talents at Gary Road Intermediate. At first she was uncertain, admitting, “I regretted coming at first. But once I decided to build a dance performance program that included theatre, I made GRI my home and I love it!” Today the program is a defining part of the school, giving students opportunities to grow as readers, performers, and confident individuals while building pride, collaboration, and community. Pearson is proud that Gary Road Intermediate is the only school in the district with a full arts program, something she believes both the district and the community can celebrate. She emphasizes inclusivity and relationships, ensuring every student has a chance to participate and inspiring staff to join students on stage. “I believe God opened up this opportunity for me, and I am truly thankful,” she said. Through her creativity, leadership, and heart, Pearson continues to inspire students and colleagues, proving how education and the arts can change lives.
Shining Through Service: Shanique Davis-Hampton Leads With Heart and Community at Utica Elementary-Middle School
With more than two decades in education, Shanique Davis-Hampton is a shining example of service with heart, purpose, and vision. A proud member of the UEMS/Library team, she has spent 23 years enriching the lives of students while giving back to the community she calls home. Each day she greets students with a smile and a kind word, showing love in every interaction, offering hope through encouragement, and modeling leadership by guiding others and extending a helping hand. Her motivation is rooted in the values instilled in her as a child, and she now works to pass those same lessons on to the students she serves. Known as a collaborator and connector, she is a steady presence for both students and staff, believing that relationships are at the core of meaningful education. “Relationships are the most important part,” she says, “and I work hard to get to know each student so they feel comfortable reaching out when they need someone.” For Davis-Hampton, returning to Hinds County Schools was about more than a career, it was about coming home. Her story is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make when they lead with love, inspire with hope, and serve with true leadership.
A Heart For Education: Marjorie Pevey Models Embodies Kindness and Connection at Utica Elementary-Middle School
At Utica Elementary Middle School, Classified Interventionist Marjorie Pevey makes a quiet but powerful impact through more than a decade of service in education, including three years in UEMS and nine years in private schools. She embodies the district’s theme of Love, Hope, and Leadership by showing up each day with a smile, leading by example, and inspiring others to believe in their potential. “I believe kindness matters,” she says. “I strive to show love through encouragement, patience, and a willingness to help whenever needed. I bring hope by reminding students and staff to look for the silver lining in every situation.” Motivated by the joy of seeing students experience those magical “Ah ha!” moments, Pevey focuses on teaching the whole child and making learning meaningful and fun. “Each student learns differently,” she explains. “Incorporating various strategies to grab their attention helps the entire class, not just a select group. Learning shouldn’t feel boring, it should be inspiring.” Beyond academics, she works to ensure every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. “Through kindness and encouragement, I strive to make sure everyone feels that they belong so they can thrive,” she says. For Pevey, joining Hinds County Schools was about more than a career choice. “Being part of a district that values love, hope, and leadership, and where I can make a real difference each day, means everything. Hinds feels like home, like a true family.” Her story is a reminder of the power of compassion, connection, and commitment in shaping lives.
Spotlight on Excellence: Halima Strong Inspires Through Science and Service at Gary Road Intermediate School
At Gary Road Intermediate, fourth grade science teacher Halima Strong is making an impact not only in the classroom but across the entire district. With 11 years of service, she exemplifies the theme of Love, Hope, and Leadership in every lesson, interaction, and initiative. “I strive to operate from a place of love,” Strong says. “I instill hope into every child that improvement is possible, we can all strive to be 1% better than we were the day before.” Her leadership is rooted in example, encouraging others to shine in their gifts and embrace growth. Strong is motivated by a desire to uplift others, finding fulfillment in helping even in small ways. Her passion for science is evident in the joy she feels when students connect classroom concepts to real-world experiences, whether in a lightbulb moment during a lesson or a story shared by a parent. Beyond teaching, she collaborates with other fourth grade science educators to build a strong foundation for student success on the State Science Exam in fifth grade. “We work together to develop the whole student, not just for school but for life,” she explains. Building relationships is also central to her approach, as she fosters an inclusive environment rooted in accountability, respect, and kindness. “We may not all be best friends, but we should treat each other with human decency,” she emphasizes. For Strong, choosing Hinds County Schools meant an opportunity to specialize in science, enjoy creative freedom in the classroom, and build meaningful work relationships. “I stay because of the partnerships, the shared goals, and the chance to be part of something meaningful,” she says. Her story is a testament to the power of passion, collaboration, and purpose, and her impact extends far beyond the classroom, inspiring a community to lead with love and hope.