Since I arrived here in 2018, I’ve learned something that many of you have known for years — that Meridian is more than a school; it’s a community. People here pitch-in, they help one another shoulder the hard burdens, and they understand that when our kids succeed, we all succeed. Community is everything. I’ve come to believe that, when it’s all said and done, our greatest strength is what we have in one another. And that is a mighty fine strength for any community; we’re fortunate to have it here in Meridian.

In February, we lost an amazing, no-nonsense educator and friend in Mrs. Anita Marks. And last month, we lost another one of our own when Rashawn ‘Big Pat’ Alston left our earthly domain. Mrs. Marks always had the love and respect of her students, her colleagues, her fellow worshippers at New Bethel MB Church, and anyone who was fortunate enough to witness the humble sincerity of her heart. Big Pat was a friend to so many throughout our community. When I think of his big smile, his positive attitude, and his ability — and willingness — to fix almost anything that was broken, it makes me think of the best in all of us. Losing Big Pat and Mrs. Marks was heartbreaking, but in their memory, I find hope and light and a belief in the possibilities I know they’d both want us all to continue to chase down.

This issue is dedicated to Mrs. Marks and Big Pat and to our collective commitment to this community. Many of our stories in this issue reflect a real love for this place and I can’t think of a better way to honor our friends than to continue to honor our community. We can do this by supporting one another, encouraging the greatness I know resides within each and every one of our kids, remembering to smile like Big Pat and to see our intrinsic worth, as Mrs. Marks always taught us to do, even when the going gets tough.

Jon Green, Superintendent, Meridian CUSD #101