Teachers make the world go round…

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”- Nelson Mandela

In reflecting on our own experiences, one common shared experience that each member of WHSBAA has in common- being inspired by an amazing teacher. While teaching is oftentimes a thankless job, the importance of teachers has been recognized now more than ever. While in the midst of a pandemic, hundreds of thousands of teachers across the country are spending countless hours providing their students with rigorous lessons, socio-emotional support, and some semblance of normalcy.

To kick off Black History Month, WHSBAA has been inspired from the National Education Association’s EdJustice campaign for School Social Action Week. While we took the “Black Lives Matter at School” pledge , we knew that our actions had to line up with our words.

Jill Rosen writes, “Black students who’d had just one black teacher by third grade were 13 percent more likely to enroll in college—and those who’d had two were 32 percent more likely.” Within our ABCUSD community, we know that the percentage of Black educators is close to the percentage of Black and African students at Whitney. While small in numbers, these Black ABCUSD educators are dynamic, fearless, and inspiring. Having named our WHSBAA Foundation’s senior scholarship after our very own inspiring Black queen and educator, Debra Logan, we decided that we wanted to not only acknowledge these educators, but take it a step further to support their virtual classrooms, and their students. While there were a bevy of amazing candidates, we chose three educators- a Special Education elementary teacher, a middle school social worker and counselor, and a long-time high school history teacher.

The Trailblazer:

Mrs. Kym Larkin

Kym Larkin is a dedicated educator who has been teaching for over 30 years and has worked for ABC Unified School District for over 20 years. She is a dedicated teacher and resolute student advocate. Over the years, she has mentored countless new teachers through the district’s induction program and her students leave her classroom with more than just textbook knowledge. As an educator, she promotes student growth academically and personally. Students repeatedly reach out to Mrs. Larkin and thank her for her tough love and preparation for life after high school. Not only does she teach the required curriculum, but she goes above and beyond to make sure that her students truly understand what is happening in the world. She continually pushes her students to put their best foot forward and exceed their potential. Mrs. Larkin is known for her current event assignments, which promote a healthy dialogue between students and their peer groups.  Outside of the classroom you can catch Mrs. Larkin at sporting events, art activities and theater productions supporting her students and their passions. She truly wants all of her students to succeed and she is always willing to help them along the way. 

Written by: Paige & Ashtin Larkin

• “Mrs. Larkin’s class prepared me for my next steps in my academic career. I enjoyed the way she held me accountable as a student and a young man. It was when I got into college and realize that was the structure, discipline, and foundation that I needed to be able to excel. Thank you Mrs. Larkin for all that you do and have done for me! “- Taurrean Hundley, former student

• “Mrs. Larkin cares deeply about her students and about our school. Day after day, she works incredibly hard to make high school a positive experience for our students and families. Her spirit, compassion and dedication, all make a remarkable impression not just on our students, but on our school and community as a whole.”- Kam Andresen, colleague

The Golden Ticket:

Ms. Marlies Harris

Marlies Harris has been a devoted Upper SDC Teacher at Juarez Academy of Engineering and Technology  Elementary since 2013. She greatly enjoys working with her students and holds them to high expectations while encouraging them to always try their best.

Marlies makes vital connections with her students and families and even after they graduate they will often return looking for her to share how well they have succeeded in Middle School. Being an educator of color and fluently speaking Spanish has helped her to relate and bridge a partnership.

Her dedication to education is evident through the success of her students.  Not only is she a teacher, but she is also assisting with Student Council, track and field, ELD, and is the PBIS coach. She also teaches on Saturday with the Migrant Education Program.

Written by: Cherrell Harris

• “Where do I begin...Marlies Harris is a leader, mentor, colleague, teammate, and a true friend. She is a positive light in any room and is always willing to go above and beyond on anything that comes her way.  She is compassionate, dedicated, hardworking, and reliable. The entire staff and student body know that she will always be there to support and guide them through any challenges that arise.  I am so beyond blessed to not only call her my colleague but also my friend.” - Heather Mendoza, colleague

•  "Ms. Marlies Harris is a human that I consider to be one of my heroes. She truly saved me. I met her in 2009 when she was just a substitute teacher. (She went from substitute to being the long term sub for the rest of the year.) I was in 7th grade and she was my English teacher. I was one of those kids who was super smart and I loved to read! I didn’t have friends and I was talked about and bullied a ton. She wouldn’t let me talk down on myself and she taught me that I was worth it. That I was destined to be great. She let me sit in her classroom every day during lunch that I didn’t have someone to eat with. I would have a rough time before her class, issues at home, or just having a bad day, and she would let me sit and cry and then she would say something silly and make me laugh. She made me love books even more than I ever did. She was my first and only female black teacher, she was someone I could relate to. Someone who looked like me. When the school year was over, I was so sad because I had to continue on without her. I was heartbroken! I never forgot her ever! But somehow and always, God works in miraculous and mysterious ways. When I was in 9th grade, I saw and met her twin brother who did security at my high school and that next year, her sister substituted an English class next door to mine. Finally, when I was in 11th grade after moving from LBUSD to ABCUSD, she started to work at my younger sister’s elementary school at the time. She recognized my mom one day and we got reconnected. That was hands down one of the best days of my life. She has remained in my life since! I have now graduated from college and she has never missed a party, graduation, performance or Youtube video since. Ms. Marlies Harris saved my life and continues to be a light in my life after well over a decade. She is the epitome of a phenomenal woman and I am so blessed that she has played a huge role in my life." -Monica Gibson, former student

• "Ms. Harris is the epitome of what an educator should be.  Marlies is more than knowledgeable about content, her graceful way she engages and teaches her students, always has time for any student in need, her willingness to help a colleague out no matter how impacted her schedule is, the ability to lead by example and her constant positivity. 

  I feel extremely fortunate and thankful to have had the opportunity to work alongside her in various school committees, to collaborate with, to learn from and to have someone like Marlies that I can confide in at any time without any judgement.

  I am a more effective teacher and a better person because of Marlies Harris!" - Roger Ozaki, colleague

The Game Changer:

Ms. Aja Daniels

Aja Daniels has been a dedicated mental health professional with ABCUSD since 2016. She has had the opportunity to work with both elementary and secondary students and provide both social and emotional support. Aja is a true representative of what hard work and dedication means. She is able to relate to all students including our students of color by bringing a wealth of knowledge, and experiences to her students, many of which may come from marginalized communities. Aja’s genuine care for her students and community has enabled her to help those students understand that they are not alone. Aja Daniels embodies it all! 

Written by: Marlies Harris