Harding University High School staff prep for students’ return

CHARLOTTE — The first day of class is still days away, but at Harding University High School, the work has already started.

On Tuesday, new educators got some extra help from Teach for America North Carolina and volunteers from Equitable to turn empty classrooms into spaces ready to welcome students.

Before the first bell rings, there are boxes to unpack, bulletin boards to build and classrooms to make feel like home.

“I’m creating a hygiene cart for all the girls and boys,” Preshys Grant, a first-year teacher, said. “I’m also creating a snack cart, so when they come in, they are happy.”

For Harding University High School’s newest principal, Kevin Poirier, the year begins with a clear standard.

“We are about excellence every single day, interactions with students on the court, on the field, in the classroom,” he said. “I’m just really excited to get this year started.”

Teach for America contributes to that excellence, recruiting teachers like Grant, to support students in underserved schools. This year, Ms. Grant will lead life sciences for grades nine through 12.

“I came from a low-income family, so I know that it means a lot,” she told Channel 9’s Miana Massey. “Sometimes, we don’t have the exact resources to get what we need to go to college or know about college.”

But she’s using her own journey to help students envision theirs.

“I’m a first-generation college student,” Grant said. “I helped my sister get into college, so just being able to help others do that, it would make me happy.”

From the supplies on the shelves to the support behind both teachers and students, every detail helps set the tone for the year ahead.

“I’m excited to have fun every single day, to have high expectations for our scholars, our staff and our community, and just build on the greatness and excellence that’s here at Harding University High School,” Principal Poirier said.

Families will get their first look at those classrooms during the school’s open house Tuesday night.

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