Anitra Johnson: Leading with Love, Hope, and Leadership at Bolton-Edwards Elementary Middle School
Anitra Johnson, a dedicated educator at Bolton Edwards Elementary Middle School, is celebrating her 20th year in education, continuing to make a meaningful impact in the Hinds County School District. She lives out the district’s theme of “Love, Hope, and Leadership” by maintaining a positive attitude that strengthens relationships both inside and outside the classroom. Her passion for working with children has been a driving force throughout her career, and witnessing her students learn and grow brings her immense joy and fuels her professional development. Johnson employs innovative teaching strategies, such as hands-on activities and movement-based learning, to keep students engaged and help them solve real-world problems. She fosters an inclusive classroom environment where students feel safe to express themselves and learn from their mistakes, believing that strong bonds are essential to student success. Her commitment to the district is deeply personal, as she finds purpose in giving back to the community where she was raised, helping the next generation thrive in the same environment that shaped her own journey.
Glenda Lewis: Leading with Love, Hope, and Leadership at Byram Middle School
With 12 years of experience in education, Glenda Lewis, a dedicated 6th grade math teacher at Byram Middle School, exemplifies the Hinds County School District’s theme of “Love, Hope, and Leadership.” Known for her heartfelt motto, “Love You; Mean It,” Lewis builds strong relationships with her students, fostering a classroom environment where every child feels seen, safe, and supported. Her passion for teaching stems from a desire to be a positive influence in a world often clouded by negativity. As a proud resident of Hinds County, she views her role not only as an educator but as a community ambassador, committed to representing the district with dignity and respect. Lewis believes that genuine connections are the foundation of academic success, often quoting, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Her daily work reflects this belief, creating inclusive spaces where students thrive and feel empowered to be their best selves.
Ashley Percy: Leading with Love, Hope, and Leadership at Main Street Restart Center
As a Behavioral Counselor in the Hinds County School District, I embody the district’s theme of “Love, Hope, and Leadership” by fostering trust, emotional resilience, and systemic support for students. I demonstrate love through unconditional positive regard, offering students a safe, empathetic space to express themselves without judgment. I instill hope by helping students set realistic goals and equipping them with practical coping strategies that empower them to navigate challenges and envision a brighter future. My leadership is reflected in crisis intervention, staff training, and advocacy for trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices that benefit the entire school community. Inspired by the belief that behavior is communication, I remain passionate about this work through the small victories—watching students apply coping skills or seeing teachers transform their classrooms with new approaches. My motivation stems from the opportunity to guide students from distress to empowerment, and to implement innovative strategies like the Proactive Counseling Request System, which allows students to self-initiate support discreetly and effectively. By building strong relationships and inclusive environments, I help students thrive emotionally and academically, support teachers with behavior management tools, and strengthen community ties. My “why” for choosing Hinds County is rooted in a commitment to engage, empower, and ensure excellence by addressing behavioral health as a cornerstone of student success.
LaKneshia Davis: Leading with Love, Hope, and Leadership at Gary Road Elementary School
Ms. LaKneshia Davis, a dedicated speech therapist at Gary Road Elementary, has spent 14 years in education, with the last seven proudly serving in the Hinds County School District. Inspired by her mother—a retired educator with over 30 years of experience—Ms. Davis carries forward a legacy of patience, compassion, and excellence. She embodies the district’s theme of “Love, Hope, and Leadership” by being a reliable team player who holds herself to high standards. Her approach to education centers on building strong rapport with students, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment where every child feels motivated and supported. Ms. Davis believes that open communication and relationship-building are key to helping students thrive. She credits the supportive administrators and collaborative staff at Gary Road Elementary for making each day fulfilling and impactful.
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.