Carrollton City Schools held its annual system kickoff event on July 29, featuring Monica Kaufman Pearson as a special guest speaker for the faculty and staff.
An inspiration to many, Pearson was the first woman and first minority to anchor for an Atlanta station and is well-known for her 37 years at WSB-TV. Her story and character are known and admired by those who grew up watching her on television.
Over the years, Pearson has received national and local awards for her investigative journalism and community impact. Through serving in various positions on boards, including United Way of Atlanta, Atlanta Tipoff Club and the Board of Jurors of the George Foster Peabody Awards, she made history by being the first woman and/or African American on the board.
“It is my honor and privilege to introduce our special guest speaker for today. Her story is one of breaking barriers and using her voice to uplift others,” said Carrollton City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Albertus. “She has told countless stories that shine a light on the importance of education and community, and at age 67, she earned a master’s degree with honors, showing the importance of being a lifelong learner.”
Following her introduction, Pearson warmly greeted attendees with a big smile and excited waves to the crowd. During her address to the CCS faculty and staff, she covered a variety of topics, emphasizing that while curriculum is important, the educator in the room can make the most impact.
For 10 years, she volunteered and read weekly to students in Atlanta Public Schools, where she saw the transformational influence teachers had on their students to help them believe in themselves. She motivated the educators in the room to demonstrate care and respect towards their students, empowering them to reach their full potential.
An energetic applause erupted throughout the Mabry Center for the Arts as she shared the influence education has had in her life and said, “I would always tell my students that all work is good work as long as it is honest work. Then, I would always share my mother’s favorite saying with them: It’s what you do with what you have that makes you what you are.” Her saying highlighted the importance of a strong work ethic as a key to success, no matter the barriers or circumstances one might face in life or the classroom.
After the convocation, Pearson stayed to meet attendees, take photos and share encouraging words with the educators preparing to meet their new students.
The kickoff event set a positive tone for faculty and staff for the upcoming school year. The district will welcome students back to school on Monday, August 11.
