A Head Start success story

(Submitted article)
At first thought, there aren’t many commonalities between a seven-year-old precocious first grader and a personable outgoing elementary school principal, except that their days are spent in the same school.
However, the educational roots of Raintree Elementary School student Camren Hogan and Principal Donald J. Sanders III are deeply linked, as both are products of the St. Mary Community Action Agency Head Start program.
The dynamic young principal whose infectious smile and strong handshake quickly puts visitors at ease, credits Head Start with instilling in him a love for learning and education. Sanders recounts how he still remembers the smell of oatmeal and the daily naps during his time as a young student at Snow White Head Start center over 30 years ago. The late Clara Pellerin was Snow White’s Site Manager at the time, and had a profound impact on Sanders’ young life.
His connection to Pellerin is infinitely entwined as he is married to her granddaughter, Megan. All three of their children are Snow White Head Start Center graduates.
For Camren, school is a great haven to release her imagination and genuine love for learning. Camren’s 69-year-old grandmother and legal guardian, Doris Griffin, credits Mickey Mouse Head Start Center in Baldwin for preparing her for school beyond Head Start.
“Her teachers, Darrel Perry and Valerie Rhine and Mrs. Eave worked hard with her to prepare her for school and now she really loves school and never misses a day,” Griffin said.
Dedication to school has led this shy little girl with twinkling eyes, and a dazzling smile towards achieving great honors, such as being on the Honor Roll, Principal’s List and being named her class Super Hero (Helping Everyone Reach Outcomes) for the month. Camren may have a hunger for learning, but she also has a fondness for the Wheel of Fortune TV game show. “She can solve puzzles faster than the contestants,” her grandmother says. “And she also loves to participate in her dance recitals and to write.”
Sanders’ pride in the young student is evident as he speaks on her ability to overcome some struggles in her young life. “Camren exemplifies the school’s motto: GRIT, Greatness Requires Internal Toughness, that will lead her far in life,” he said. She also personifies the real influence the Head Start program has on students entering public schools, the principal said.
Head Start graduates from Mickey Mouse and Bambi Head Start centers normally attend Raintree Elementary for Pre-K, Kindergarten and beyond. Sanders finds that generally most of his students who come from the Head Start have developed more social skills than students who have not. He credits a good working relationship with St. Mary CAA/Head Start’s Family Service Workers, which ultimately helps with a smooth transition from Head Start to Kindergarten.
Sanders path to his current profession had a few bends in the road as he initially had visions of playing professional basketball. The Centerville High School alumnus tried to walk on to the LSU 1998-1999 basketball team, but didn’t make it. Still his love for the game kept him involved as he worked as an assistant trainer for the team. He later taught history and coached basketball at West St. Mary High School. He has served as Raintree’s Assistant Principal for two years and Head Principal for the past three years.
Sanders is a strong believer in the philosophy that young people should have a backup plan in case their first plan doesn’t work out and it should start with education. “I didn’t start off with a backup plan because I was too busy chasing basketball dreams,” Sanders said. “Once I realized basketball wasn’t in my future, then I knew I had to have a backup plan and education was it.”
While Sanders is the first in his family to acquire a college degree, he credits his mother as the force behind him ensuring that he did his best in school. Griffin, who will turn 70 in July, is the anchor of Camren’s support system because she believes that in spite of any difficulties her granddaughter may face, a good education and teachers who care will instill a confidence and desire in her that can take her anywhere she choose to go.
St. Mary CAA/Head Start is celebrating 50 years of service to children, families and seniors living in communities throughout St. Mary Parish. Almetra J. Franklin, Chief Executive Officer, Sanders said, and Camren’s stories illustrates the impact and importance that the Head Start Program has on the children, families and communities being served.