Home for the Holidays!

I returned from school at Ole Miss this week and am looking forward to spending a few weeks at home visiting with family and friends for the holidays. This was a very busy semester at school, but successful nonetheless.  Just a few highlights from the semester are shown in pictures below:

As a member of the Columns Society at Ole Miss, I serve as an ambassador for the University and volunteer at numerous campus events.  This semester my favorite assignments included the Donor Dinner at the Chancellor's House and working in the Chancellor's Box at the Ole Miss v. LSU football game. 

I represented my sorority, Phi Mu, in the annual Parade of Beauties pageant  sponsored by Student Programming Board.  I placed in the Top 10 of 80 contestants. 

This picture was taken on Bid Day in October.  I am an active member of Phi Mu, serving as Philanthropy Chairman (January 2011-2012) and Chaplain.  This semester we raised $30,000 for our national philanthropy, Children's Miracle Network, by hosting a Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament and raffle in November.

Since I have been home, I have already had the opportunity to make a few appearances.  This past Thursday, I volunteered at the "Home for the Holidays" dinner, benefiting Pebblebrooke High School, hosted by the Jennie T. Anderson theater.  Friday night,  I was able to enjoy the Home for the Holidays performance at the theater featuring students from Pebblebrooke, Dance Stop Studios and even our current Miss Georgia, Michaela Lackey.

On our tour of the RCA, Mr. Clark, climbed on top of the lockers and told us more about the school and the great energy and  enthusiasm he has for teaching.  The pictures behind him on the wall of the school are the fifth grade students at the RCA.  Every year the new class gets their picture put on the wall to make the students feel more at home. 

I also had the opportunity this past week to visit the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta. My former teacher, Mrs. Kimberly Bearden, is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of this amazing school.  My mom and I had the privilege of touring the school and observing teachers in action.  We sat in on one of Mr. Ron Clark’s math classes in the morning.  His teaching styles are nothing short of phenomenal.  He holds his students to very high expectations, but treats them with respect and teaches them with enthusiasm.  The kids were engaged the entire lesson, many times breaking out into song and dance during the lesson.  

One of Mr. Clark’s methods of teaching is to have children learn songs and dance moves to go along with the words to help them remember things such as Order of Operations when solving a math equation.  The passion the children have for learning and the teachers have to inspire the students is something every person should have the opportunity to witness.  I feel so blessed to call Mrs. Bearden a former teacher and a mentor.  She truly has inspired me and countless other young people to reach our full potential.  

The slide!

Two of my favorite women, Mrs. Bearden (left) and my mom (right)

The Ron Clark Academy is unlike any other school, and the teachers and students alike are changing the world.  For more information or to learn more about the school visit www.ronclarkacademy.com.