“Strive for your goals. Have a game plan. Live out your dreams. Dare to be different!” Words from this month’s Black History guest speaker, Superintendent Dorrell Green, Red Clay Consolidated School District.
After a moving recording of the Black National Anthem, performed by the Stanton Middle Choir, Mr. Green joined the students of Stanton, Skyline, and George Read Middle Schools for a morning of virtual inspiration! His story encouraged students to create their own destiny and push past their barriers to become the best they can be!
At the end of his presentation, participants sought further insight from Mr. Green. Here are his responses:
1. What is the most important character trait for youth success?
“Belief in yourself! You must believe that you can be successful. My parents worked hard. My mother worked at a hospital and my father worked three jobs. They did not have the means to pay for college, but I knew that college was an option for me. I wanted more than my surrounding environment provided for me.”
Mr. Green worked hard to achieve good grades and become a stellar athlete. He received a football scholarship to the University of Delaware, where he received his Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, Masters in Educational Leadership, and in 2019, was inducted into the U of D Athletics Hall of Fame. He is now the Superintendent for Red Clay Consolidated School District and aspires to make Red Clay one of the top-performing districts in the tri-state area.
2. What or who do you depend on during stressful times?
“I rely on my faith, physical activity, my family, and honestly, my students. The things we are dealing with are bigger than me. My faith teaches me that every moment has a season and this too shall pass. It’s all for a purpose.”
Mr. Green practices meditation and mindfulness as a way to cope with stress. He is also careful to get enough sleep and stay hydrated to avoid headaches that can add to any stressful moment.
3. When your fire is burning out, how do you keep it lit?
“Each new day is an opportunity is acknowledge the good. This year has been tough, but it hasn’t been all bad. We’ve been able to use technology to bring the community together. Finding those bright spots each day brings hope. Sometimes, we also have to detach from it all and lean on our support system and the things that bring us hope.
During today’s presentation, Mr. Green showed us a handwritten note that he will pass along to someone he spotted making a difference in a positive way! Spreading positivity is a great way to keep your flame burning!
