It is a great pleasure to have this opportunity to represent the Parsons Blewett Traditional Scholarship. Parsons Blewett was instrumental in my growth, not only as an educator but also as a person. Through Parsons Blewett, I was able to complete my graduate school studies in Education Administration at the University of Missouri- Saint Louis. This experience was pivotal in my development as an educator and my acceptance into the St. Louis Public Schools’ Principal Leadership Program, commonly known as Preparing Aspiring Certificated Educators (PACE). It is an intense 10-month program that simulates how to be an effective leader in schools and perform in various learning environments.
It was, however, the Parsons Blewett Traditional Scholarship program that propelled me into leadership outside of the classroom and into administration. The relationships I cultivated through this program have impacted my professional life forever. I currently serve as Assistant Principal at Carnahan High School of the Future.
I am endlessly grateful and eternally blessed to have had the opportunities and experiences the Parsons Blewett Traditional Scholarship fund afforded me. I would like to give a special thanks to Cynthia Frank, Sonia Pratt, and my mentor, Dr. Alice Roach, for always inspiring me to be a better person and to do what is best for the students. The Parsons Blewett team believes in excellence and I am grateful to have them in my life, but I also want to thank them for impacting so many educators around the world.
Professionally,
Jonathan Griffin
Principal, Carnahan High School