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Hampton High School Teacher and Henry County Toastmasters Partner to Empower Students

HENRY COUNTY, GA – Henry County Toastmasters recently honored Hampton High School Lead Counselor Kea Scurry for spearheading a student communication and leadership development program.

Henry County Toastmasters is one of a worldwide network of clubs operated by Toastmasters International, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to empowering individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

HHS Counselor Kea Scurry holding her Toastmasters Partnership certificate.

Scurry received the Toastmasters Partnership Award after collaborating with the local arm of the international organization to design a program for Hampton High School student ambassadors.

“I wanted to offer our ambassadors an amazing opportunity that provided communication and leadership skills that would help them excel and strive beyond high school,” Scurry said.

HHS student ambassadors are juniors and seniors who volunteer to promote a positive school experience by uniting students from different academic disciplines, clubs, organizations, and cultural backgrounds.

Earlier this year, 20 student ambassadors participated in the inaugural program, consisting of eight sessions delivered over a one-month period. Henry County Toastmasters mentors provided comprehensive and structured lessons in a supportive, encouraging, and interactive setting.

“The Toastmasters program enhanced my role as a student ambassador by improving my public speaking skills, allowing me to communicate more confidently and persuasively,” said senior Camila Ayala. “It also developed my leadership abilities, enabling me to effectively engage with and support fellow students.”

Through sessions focused on topics such as speech writing, body language, and listening, the students acquired techniques to refine their speaking skills and ability to engage and connect with an audience.

“Participating in this program was a transformative experience,” said recent graduate Jenesis Robinson. “It improved my public speaking skills and boosted my confidence significantly.”

Students received feedback on their speeches from Toastmasters mentors as well as their peers. The evaluation sessions provided lessons in effective communication and how to deliver tactful and constructive critique.

The benefits of the program took centerstage at Class of 2024 commencement exercises at Atlanta Motor Speedway in May.

“Essence Respress, president of our graduating class, delivered an outstanding graduation speech, and I believe this program contributed to her impressive performance,” Scurry added.

Each student received a Henry County Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program Completion Award for attending all sessions. Of the 20 graduates, 11 were seniors who also received graduation cords.

“This program helped me realize my potential and to understand that a great leader will not set out just to be a leader, but someone who will make a difference,” said junior Arabella Johnson.

“As a school counselor, collaborating with students in programs that enhance leadership and communication skills is crucial,” Scurry said. “Collaboration between school counselors and students in such initiatives fosters a culture of growth, resilience, and achievement. Nurturing these skills early prepares students to excel in their academic endeavors and future careers.”

Building on the success of this initiative, Henry County Toastmasters will continue partnering with Scurry to empower another group of students next year. When the next session begins in January 2025, students from this year’s cohort will help lead the program.

“The program also provides college, career, and life benefits – skills highly valued by colleges and employers,” Scurry said. “Developing these abilities can set students apart in applications and interviews. Students not only further their own development but also contribute to a positive and thriving school community and a supportive and empowering environment for all.”

“Hampton High School takes great pride in our partnership with the Toastmasters Club, which plays a crucial role in developing the oratorical skills our students need to embrace leadership roles confidently,” added Principal Quinton Ward. “We enthusiastically welcome every opportunity that nurtures the unique gifts, talents, and abilities of our scholars.”

While the program is currently only available to student ambassadors at Hampton High School, Scurry aspires to extend the opportunity to juniors and seniors at all district high schools.

“We are immensely proud of our students’ accomplishments,” said Superintendent Dr. John Pace III. “Their participation reflects their commitment to personal and professional development and sets an example for their peers. The collaboration between Hampton High School and Henry County Toastmasters aligns with our holistic approach to education and mission to empower students with exceptional opportunities and access that lead to success in a global society.”

About Henry County Schools 

Henry County Schools (HCS) is the eighth-largest school district in Georgia, consisting of 53 schools and located about 20 minutes south of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Over the past two decades, our community has grown in population from 113,000 residents to over 244,000 residents. Since 1999, student enrollment has grown from 21,000 to 43,000 students, and our number of employees has grown from 3,000 to 6,000. 
 
HCS is “In Pursuit of Exceptional,” taking action to advance opportunities, access, and outcomes so that every student in our school district has Exceptional Support, Exceptional Access, and an Exceptional Future. In 2020, our Board of Education adopted our 2021-2026 Community-Inspired Strategic Plan and laid out a clear vision and mission for Henry County Schools. Our vision is to ensure a high-quality, world-class education for every student, and our mission is to empower all students with exceptional opportunities and access that lead to success in a global society. 

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