With the looks of surprise, bewilderment, shyness and pleasure, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) students walked down a red carpet on their first day of school, Monday, Aug. 13, to the cheers and high fives of CHS and SIUE administrators, faculty and staff.
“It’s an exciting day, and we wanted to begin the school year on a celebratory note,” said School of Education, Health and Human Behavior Interim Dean Paul Rose, PhD. “The students have a thrilling year of accomplishments ahead of them.”
“I am excited about my work and having fun this year,” said senior Anaiah Brown.
“Dr. Maya Angelou said that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” said Gina Jeffries, CHS director. “I hope that CHS students felt welcomed and special today.”
“I’m anxious to see what my junior year will bring,” said CHS student Betty Nichols, after she finished her walk down the red carpet.
Some of those lining the red carpet and cheering students included: Rose, Jeffries, Willis Young, CHS assistant director; Venessa A. Brown, PhD, associate chancellor for the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, and chief diversity officer at SIUE; Wendi Brown, president of the CHS Parent Teacher Association; and Emeka Jackson-Hicks, East St. Louis mayor.
“I wanted to welcome our new students and welcome back our returning students with encouraging words,” said Wendi Brown, who originated the idea of the CHS red carpet first day of school.
“I really believe support is critical to students’ development,” said Venessa Brown. “Charter High School students need to know that SIUE stands with them all the way along the road to success.”
The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students’ talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century.
Photos:
CHS junior D’Juan Rives is ready for his first day at school.
All smiles is senior Devin Addison, as he is welcomed back the SIUE Charter High School.
Senior Anaiah Brown enjoys the high fives and cheers.