Even though we are on an extended Spring Break, I thought some positivity and encouragement might be in order. Today’s Woke Wednesday message is dedicated to our seniors, the Class of 2020. I realize there are a lot of unknowns right now regarding the remainder of your senior year. You are experiencing a range of emotions, which is understandable. I beg you to stay encouraged, stay connected with one another and keep each other lifted. FaceTime one another as much as possible. Don’t let social media be your primary outlet. Talk to one another, cherish this time with your family, stay healthy and be well, Blazers.

Earlier this week, we celebrated International Women’s Day. Last night, here at Overland, we celebrated Culture Night. Women from across the world help shape our perspectives and our understanding of the world we live in.

When I think about fearlessness, I think of Malala, the teenage crusader for women’s rights in the Middle East. When I think of beauty and brilliance, First Lady Michelle Obama comes to mind.

When I think of perseverance, I think of J.K. Rowling who went from being unemployed to the multi-million dollar author of the Harry Potter series.

And when I think “fierce” there’s only one Beyonce Knowles. Fearlessness, beauty, brilliance, perseverance and FIERCE lies in each one of us.

Never limit the best in you. Your best qualities can be an inspiration and an aspiration to someone else. Stay Woke, Overland!

In the spirit of Women’s History Month, today’s Woke Wednesday message speaks to the spirit of resilience.

Helen Keller once said, “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”

Life will throw you all kinds of curve balls, stay the course, stay strong and stay woke, Overland.

Last week, we ended the week with the theme of generosity running through each of us. This week’s message is focused on character.

Dr. King talked about not being judged by our skin color, but by our character. An old African Proverb says, “Show me your friend and I will show you your character.” Our character reveals WHO we are as individuals, human beings, members of mankind. The goodness of your character is what draws people to you and what drives some away.  

As we close out African-American History Month, I say to you as your principal and the first black woman principal of Overland High School, your character is as important as your education. How do you view your character and what part of your character do you want others to admire?

Stay Woke, Overland.

This week’s message centers on the theme of generosity. Being generous to others doesn’t cost anything. True generosity comes from the desires of the heart to give to others, take care of others and help provide for others. A generous person is a selfless person. One that understands that it truly is better to give than receive. In the words of Muhammad Ali, “Our only hope lies in the power of our love, generosity, tolerance, understanding and our commitment to making the world a better place for all.”

Today's Woke Wednesday message is an excerpt of Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise."

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries?

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

Your race, your gender, your language, your religion and your sexual identity are only some of the characteristics that make you who you are. Your core values, your beliefs and the way that you treat people will speak to others about who you are long after you are gone. One of the biggest mistakes we make as humans, is to assume that our appearance and the way we look on the outside outweighs what’s on the inside. It’s 2020, Blazers, while the way you show up on the outside is important, let’s put more focus on who we are and how we take care of ourselves and others. The legacy you leave behind is what people will remember about you. Take care of your legacy, Overland.

This week, we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man that dedicated his life to the betterment of ALL people.

Dr. King once said, “The final measurement of your life is not based on length, but on the service and sacrifice to your fellow man.” Dr. King did not live long, but in his short time on Earth he helped change life as we know it for all of us, including you and me.

Show gratitude to those that sacrificed for us by making the most of your education and making a difference in this world. The more you serve, the more you learn and the more you learn, the greater your life will be.

This week’s Woke Wednesday comes from Claus Moser who said, “Education costs money, but then so does ignorance.”

Take advantage of this FREE education. The price you’ll pay for not learning and not receiving your high school diploma will cost you for the rest of your life.

Get yours and Stay Woke, Overland.

Welcome Back, Blazers!

It’s a new month, a new year and a new decade. As we walk into this new year, instead of focusing on the negative things you want to change, focus on celebrating and increasing your greatest characteristics. If you have a good sense of humor, make a point to make others laugh more often. If you have a specific talent, go all out to share your talent with others.

It’s a new day! Do you and do it well, Overland.

This is your last Woke Wednesday message of 2019.

We are less than a week away from finals. As you prepare for your exams, I want you to take a moment to think about the importance of taking care of your mind, body, and spirit this next week. Without rest, you cannot perform your best. Without a sound mind, your thoughts can be clouded and unfocused. Your success on these final exams will move you one step closer to graduation, and in order to perform your absolute best, you must take care of your greatest asset – YOU!

You’ve got this, Blazers!

As we enter the holiday season, let's be grateful. Be thankful and appreciative for what we have. Let's take care of one another, Overland.

Don't trust everything you see.

Even salt looks like sugar.

10 A-Days left. Pay attention, and stay focused.

Stay Woke, Overland.

This morning’s Woke Wednesday message comes from one of my favorite hip hop artists and actor, Mos Def who said, “The idea of peace and love toward humanity shouldn't be nationalistic or denominational. It should be a chief concern for all mankind.”

As we enter into the holiday season and we celebrate Native American/Indigenous month, take a moment to evaluate how we treat one another. Instead of listening to the negativity out there, let’s vow to seek peace and love, Overland. Remember, we are more alike than we are different.

Stay Woke, Overland.