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Hello World
I was born in Kings County Brooklyn, NY. My parents divorced when I was 3yrs old and my mother and I moved to Miami, FL. We lived in Miami Shores for 2 yrs., and then moved to Summerville, SC. ( In this photo, I am 2 yrs. 4 mos.) -
The Big Scare
Congenital Heart Defects
I was a very active, spunky little girl, but one day after daycare, I wanted to take a nap; that was unheard of. My mom was concerned and had me evaluated. At 3 yrs. old, the doctors diagnosed me with the congenital heart defect- coarctation of the aorta and mitral valve prolapse. My mom was terrified, however, it was decided that I could wait a few more years before having surgery. -
Heart Surgey
In the summer of 1977, Dr. Ashby Taylor, now retired, performed heart by-pass surgery on me. It was a very successful procedure. I continued to see him even in my adult years; I just couldn’t trust anyone else. Now, I go to the Adult Congenital Heart Clinic at Emory Hospital in Atlanta. -
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Kick Ball Change
I took ballet, tap and jazz dance class for two years at Summerville Dance Company directed by Patsy Withers. These were some fun times. -
Run Gena Run
I ran track at Summerville High School from 1984-1987. I ran the 100, 200, and was first leg or the 4X100m relay team. Now, I am an Assistant Track Coach at Dalton Middle School. -
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State Champions SHS Band 1987State Champions!!I was also in the High School Marching Band; attempting to play the clarinet. My time in the band helped me to develop the love for all genres of music. My band director, Mr. Gus Moody, was a well-respected person. Through his leadership, SHS band won several band competitions and was able to travel to Disney World every two years to march in a parade. -
Pomp and Circumstance
I was one of about 600 students who graduated from Summerville High School on June 6, 1987. My graduation day was on the 50 yard line on our football field at 10:00am. Boy was it hot! -
Francis Marion University
In August of 1987, I began my college life. I started out majoring in Computer Information System Management, but after my sophomore year, I change it to Education. Then, came the two grueling summers to play catch up; with 3 hr. labs. -
Black and Gold
Can you believe that I allowed my so called friends to talk me into participating in a beauty pageant? It was the Miss Black and Gold Pageant sponsored by the fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha. That was so, so far out of my comfort zone! Needless to say, I did not place, but it was an interesting experience. -
Graduation #1
Even with the change of my major, I still graduated on time. -
He's Here
My son Mykel was born in NC; he is my only child. He would have had a younger brother or sister, but it was not in God’s plan. Mykel is a sweet and respectful young man who wrestles and runs track. He will start high school next school year. -
Graduation #2
While teaching in a computer lab in an elementary school setting, I decided to get my Master’s. I started the Technology in Education program with Lesley University. I drove an hour and a half one weekend a month to earn my degree. I also went to Boston, MA for my graduation! This was my son’s first plane ride. -
TOTY
Just before I decided to move to Dalton, GA, my colleagues at Kingsland Elementary School voted me Teacher of the Year. This meant that I was supposed to represent KES the following school year. I felt like I was letting them down because I was moving, but they reassured my decision and encouraged me to take the next step in my life. They gave me a wonderful reception, flowers, and a silver TOTY plaque.
