Amber McDowell: Turning Purpose into Impact at Gary Road Intermediate School
Amber McDowell lives out the district theme of Love, Hope, and Leadership by approaching each day in education as a fresh opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to her students’ dreams of academic success at Gary Road Intermediate School. Inspired to be part of the solution to the comprehension challenges students face today, Amber made a purposeful transition from a career in Human Resources to education so she could invest in shaping the next generation. She implements a mixed methods approach to instruction that blends interactive lessons, hands on engagement activities, and quick comprehension checks, allowing students to encounter each standard in multiple ways and ask questions with confidence. This intentional approach has strengthened overall understanding while frequent positive praise builds student confidence and motivation. Amber remains focused on positivity and intentionality to create an inclusive environment where students of all academic levels feel supported, while also building strong relationships with families and colleagues. Hinds County School District is more than where she teaches. It is the community she chose for her own children and one she proudly serves beyond the classroom. Educating students she encounters in everyday spaces, such as stores and church, deepens her sense of purpose and reinforces her “why” for teaching, as she continues to show up with commitment, care, and passion for student success.
Lakenia White: Encouraging Ownership and Collaboration at Gary Road Intermediate School
Lakenia White lives out the district theme of Love, Hope, and Leadership by creating a caring classroom environment where students are encouraged to believe in their abilities, take responsibility for their learning, and work collaboratively each day at Gary Road Intermediate School. She is motivated by seeing students actively engaged in their learning, taking ownership of their success as they collaborate, ask questions, and persevere through challenges. Watching students develop independence and confidence as learners reinforces the importance of her work and inspires her to continue creating meaningful and supportive learning experiences. One innovative approach Lakenia implements is peer tutoring, where students are strategically paired or grouped to explain concepts, practice skills, and provide constructive feedback in a supportive setting. This strategy has increased student understanding, built confidence, and strengthened collaboration while allowing students to develop leadership skills as they support their peers’ academic growth. Building strong relationships is central to Lakenia’s daily work, as it helps foster a positive, trusting classroom environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. When relationships are strong, students are more engaged, willing to take academic risks, and open to growth. Lakenia chose Hinds County School District because of her commitment to making a meaningful difference in students’ lives through high‑quality instruction and a supportive learning environment. She is proud to be part of a district that values love, hope, and leadership while preparing students for a strong and successful future.
Douglas Lamb: Leading with Tough Love and Example at Gary Road Intermediate School
Douglas Lamb brings the district theme of Love, Hope, and Leadership to life at Gary Road Intermediate School by leading with tough love, high expectations, and a genuine commitment to student growth. He believes that accountability, structure, and consistency help students develop hope for the future and the discipline needed to succeed far beyond the classroom. Inspired by his mother, a dedicated educator of 31 years, Douglas chose teaching as a way to make a lasting impact on students’ lives. He finds great joy in witnessing “aha moments” when a student finally understands a skill or concept, moments that remind him why the work matters. Douglas builds strong rapport with students early in the year, relationships that continue to grow through mutual respect, encouragement, and consistency. He leads by example every day, modeling responsibility and effort while motivating students to believe in themselves, often without realizing just how much they inspire him in return. Douglas chose Hinds County School District because of its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to students, and he remains proud to be part of a school community where relationships, expectations, and growth matter.