#GoOnGirls Graduation 2020

s l r i G n O o G #

VOL. 02 JUNE

CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2020 HONOR Highlighting the Class of 2020. #GoOnGirls

CELEBRATE Feature stories from members of the Class of 2020

MOTIVATE Encouraging words from their biggest fans!

Sue's Notes

It is in the midst of darkness that our lights should shine brightly!

How we show up in the uncertain times, when challenges arise and change comes, shows our true character. These last few months have been "challenging" to say the least. But through it all, I have seen people rise up... they have gracefully accepted the "new normal", been willing to lend a helping hand and have become quite creative in the way they are doing life.

Our young ladies have been no exception.....

This issue of #GoOnGirls Magazine is all about CELEBRATING AND HONORING the Class of 2020. We thank you for your dignity, perseverance, and "class" through this non-traditional senior year. We know that you have had to adjust to distance learning, being disconnected to a degree from your friends, school staff and administration.

You have had to sacrifice many things that you have prepared and waited for your whole school career.

But you ROSE to the occasion.... and for that we applaud you!

But not only our Seniors, we applaud and honor all of you that during this time have conquered your virtual school assignments... learned a new skill and became a new version of yourself!

So, in spite of all that is going on now.... you can lift your heads and say "Just like hopes springing high... Still I Rise!"

(Maya Angelou's Still I Rise)

As my senior year winds down, I reflect on my 12 years of being a Brandon Bulldog.

From the tears shed on the 1st day of Mrs. Jacobson's 1st grade class to my last Brandon Brio show

choir

competition,

my

time

as

a

Bulldog

is

memorable

and

I

will

miss

it.

Though

unconventional, every magnificent story has an unsuspected ending, and this is one for the books.

Brandon

High

School

faculty

and

staff

worked

tirelessly

to

pull

off

a

graduation

ceremony for the Class of 2020 that held a sense of normalcy, considering the unforeseen circumstances. Yet, Bulldog Pride was still in the air as I was being recognized for academic accolades: Top 5% of my class, 4.0 GPA, AP & Dual Credit distinction and top honors, etc.

Though I wasn’t able to congratulate my friends on completing this milestone in person, I spread the well wishes through social media, text messages, and phone calls.

As I said my final goodbyes to teachers via email and/or Zoom and important senior moments such as prom or project graduation became faded opportunities, I can learn a lesson from this situation. While dealing with the wake of COVID-19, I realize that it’s best to go with the flow and to appreciate the support group around you. Nothing is set in stone. Whether it was the multiple banners, my parents hung of me or the celebratory wishes from family and friends, I know that brighter days are ahead as I enter Xavier University of Louisiana as a neuroscience pre-medicine major. Both God and my parents have prepared me for such a challenge as I move into my next educational and life endeavors in New Orleans.

To the Class of 2020, we have prevailed through the storm and will see the sunshine once again!

KATHERINE JONES

My Dear Sweet Katherine, It is hard to find the words to express all that I am feeling today. Proud doesn’t seem enough, nor does grateful, although surely, I am both things. You were my miracle number two, and we bonded the moment I heard your heartbeat. When you were born, it was my prayer for God to allow Dad and me to give you the love, support, and all the tools needed for you to soar. Graduation from high school and preparing to go off to college is the first phrase of your flight.

You did an outstanding job

completing that flight. I will miss our talks while driving, times when you would come and sit in my lap to talk, and your unique sense of humor. Your high school journey hasn’t always been easy with you taking college classes, AP classes and all of your other activities (church, social and civic). And yet somehow, you dug down deep and found a fortitude and resilience that kept you moving forward. And as much as your dad and I would like to take all the credit for our part in getting you to where you are today, the truth is, it was your strength, your tenacity, your grit and your courage that played the greatest role in all that you have achieved. You give new meaning to the phrase “Don’t give up on your dream!”

Today marks the end of one chapter, and the start of a new one. The pages are blank; the plot is yours to create. Your dad and I know you will dig down deep and tap into those same reserves that have helped you before and you will emerge even stronger in the next chapter of your life. Allow no one to dull your flame and always allow God to order your steps and you will conquer whatever life has in store for you.

Dad and I love you to the moon and back!

Soar Katherine Soar!

Love, Mom and Dad

#GoOnGirls

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My name is Aliza Myers. I am the daughter of Sonya PackMyers and Aurelius Myers.

I am an eighteen-year-old senior from Brandon, Mississippi. I have had the privilege of attending Pelahatchie High School since I was a freshman. Throughout my high school days, I enjoyed taking part in my schools’ Yearbook Staff, Beta Club, Spirit Club, Track team, and being the manager of the Lady Chiefs girls' basketball team for two years. I was

a member of Pelahatchies’ first ever Mayor’s Youth

Council. One of my most memorable moments was being selected as Pelahatchie High School’s 2019 Homecoming Queen and now I am

graduating

with

honors.

Because

of

this

ugly

virus

known

COVID-19, my senior year came to a screeching halt, and it turned my world upside down. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has taken a lot of lives all over the world within just a few months.

Although I have not lost a loved one during this pandemic, this virus has caused a lot of heartache for me as well. It saddens me I could not experience my Senior Prom nor was I able to experience hearing my name called as I proudly walked across the stage to receive my well deserved high school diploma. It devastates me that my senior year had to end this way. I was looking forward to having a traditional graduation ceremony just as everyone before me has been a part of.

I am heartbroken that my classmates and I will not

get

the

chance

to

sit

together

anxiously

waiting to throw our caps in the air to celebrate our

accomplishments,

enjoy

our

Grad

night

celebration, have graduation parties or spend one

last

embark

day upon

together our

new

as

seniors

journeys.

before was

we

really

looking forward to making a few more memories with my classmates during our last few days of high school. Graduating is something that I have looked forward to since my elementary days of school. I am so disappointed because I worked so hard to keep a clean discipline record, a good grade point average and to graduate at the top of my class.

Despite this horrific experience, I am grateful that I got to spend most of my last year with brilliant friends and some outstanding teachers. Even though I cannot be with them, we have been able to stay in contact via social media. Since the “shelter in place order� was issued, we try not to miss a day texting, video chatting or making Tik Toks. We check on each other everyday just to talk or to think of fun ways to celebrate once we are all safely able to enjoy ourselves. We pray that it will be sooner than we think.

I have come to terms with the fact that this nightmare is out of my control and I have to go with the flow. I have begun looking at this situation as an opportunity to be a part of history. The Class of 2020 will not be forgotten for many reasons now. The best part of having to stay at home has been spending more time with my family.

This pandemic has given me so much time to evaluate myself and make plans for my future. On May 19th, I along with my senior class, will have an opportunity to participate in the first ever nontraditional graduation ceremony for Pelahatchie students. It is not what we as a class wanted, or expected, but something is better than nothing. I am grateful for everyone who has played a part in trying to keep my spirits up and find the positive during this hard time. I am grateful to God for allowing me to be alive despite the nightmare that has taken over my life.

My plans after graduation are to attend Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College to major in Elementary Education.

#GoOnGirls

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Dear Aliza, Where do I begin? I first have to say how sorry and sad I am that your senior year had to end so abruptly. You are not grieving alone! Baby Girl, I am extremely proud of you and your accomplishments. I closed my eyes for a moment and suddenly a young woman stood where my little girl used to be. From the day you were born until now, you have given me so many reasons to hold my head up in pride. The unknown sacrifices I made the last four years have been well worth it. The proudest moment for me is telling others that you are my daughter. I can't believe that our rides to and from school have ended. The memories made are priceless, your loud snoring in the passenger seat included. Not every mother has the opportunity to work where her child attends school, not to mention eat lunch together as often as we did. Your smart and caring personality has always amazed me, and I thank God that He chose me to be your mother.

Although you did not get to have the traditional graduation you expected, don’t be discouraged. Know that the obstacles you’ve had to face are all a part of God’s preparations for your future, allow them to mold you and strengthen you. Life is a grand adventure, and it is your time to live yours. This time in your life marks yet another milestone, the end of secondary school.

Do not stop pursuing knowledge. Remember to always put God first and be yourself. No one can compare to the integrity of your own heart, Baby Girl.

On your journey called life, there will be some trying times along the way. Keep in mind that when tasks seem to become mountains in front of you and they seem too hard to climb, you don’t have to climb them all at once, take one step at a time.

When it appears the ground has fallen out from below, learn to spread your beautiful wings and fly. You are a very strong young lady and I have no doubt that you are equipped with what you need to conquer everything that comes your way. If you believe in yourself, all things are possible, I believe in you!

Welcome to the real world, Baby Girl! Today you are one step closer to making your dreams come true. Go get what belongs to you! Congratulations on your completion. I love you now and forever!

Your biggest fan!

Mom

EMPOWERING IN THE FACE OF FEAR

4 TIPS TO HELP OVERCOME FEAR Fear can be a very complicated emotion. But there is hope... we don't have to let it take up "room" in our lives. Today, we are facing changes in our society that can be overwhelming and incite fear in us. In the wake of the Corona Virus pandemic, we face many uncertainties, lifestyle changes and fear. Yes, fear is real and I will not make light of it. But what will you do in the face of fear, is my question? As adult, we can hopefully use logical thinking as we wade through the "facts, our faith and the foolishness" (Dr. Tony Robinson) of what we are facing.

"FOR GOD DID NOT GIVE US A SPIRIT OF TIMIDITY OR COWARDICE OR FEAR, BUT [HE HAS GIVEN US A SPIRIT] OF POWER AND OF LOVE AND OF SOUND JUDGEMENT AND PERSONAL DISCIPLINE [ABILITIES THAT RESULT IN A CALM, WELL-BALANCE MIND AND SELF CONTROL]. 2 TIMOTHY 1:7

But what about our girls (and even our boys). How can we help them navigate through the changes? We face uncertainties day to day with vital information changes. With the access to social media, the information overload can be overwhelming. And because of the changing in our daily lives, our daily routines are changing... drastically. Also, because most adolescents are emotionally charged due to biological and hormonal changes, their response to all of this will more than likely be emotionally charged. And fear can be one of the emotions.

#GoOnGirls

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We have it in us to OVERCOME fear!

Fear usually shows up negatively... as stress, anxiety, panic, anger and even physical pain. But equipping our girls (and boys) with some practical thinking tool can help them understand that fear does not have to control them!

1. FOCUS: Helping them to focus on what they can control more than what they can not will help limit the amount of anxiety they may be feeling around our current circumstances.

2. ENGAGE: Having a safe place to share and voice their concerns will help them to openly express their feeling without being judged.

3. ACCOUNTABILITY: Many are experiencing a new normal in their daily routine. In as much as possible, give them a say in what that change will looks like, then hold them accountable for it. This helps to give them a sense of responsibility.

4. REAL: We have to remember that their feelings as they perceive them, is their reality. We can not downplay them, but do our best to be a voice of reasoning for them.

FOCUS- What we think on is one way to combat negative emotions! That's because what we think on can effect our actions. If we purposefully think on positve things, we can help ease any negative emotions that come up in us!

And ultimately change the way we respond to the emotion.

"Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words, they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits, they become character.

Watch your character; they become destiny." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

#GoOnGirls

It all begins with our thoughts... what we focus on. Many times when we have fear, it is because we feel a lack of control over a situation or circumstance.

But there are things in our daily lives that we do have control over. When we focus on those things more than on what we can't control, our perspective changes and we are able to process through our fear and anxieties better.

One definition of control is: "to detemine the behavior or supervise the running of"... in other words, something that you can put an action behind or accomplish. With the following activity, you will list all of the things that you think you can control inside of the circle. And those things that you can not control, list them outside of the circle. Then, practice on focusing only on the things within the circle and what actions you can take to make them happen.

Parents, a conversation starter and example for this exercise with your youth could be: "You can not control this virus and what is happen right now in our country but you can control your hygiene habits and the safety precautions we are taking to stay healthy." This not only helps with giving your youth a sense of responsibility but also with a sense of self control! But again, it all begins with our thinking and what we focus on!

Summing it all up friend, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditation on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put it all into practice..... Then the God of peace will be with you! Philippians 4:8 MSG; 4:9b NLT

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ENGAGE- Give them a voice! Our youth need to be heard! And when they are heard, it gives us an opportunity to help them grow. Engaging in conversations, activities and creative spaces opens up a channel to combat negative emotions and help foster a positive environment for them.

Uncertainty and uncertain times are a "breeding ground" for fear, amongst other negative emotions. Engaging gives youth the power to connect... not only to their emotions but with themselves.

"When youth contribute to their growth and development, it makes them feel like they matter!"

Benefits of Engaging Youth: Increases Self Esteem Reduces Symptoms of Negarive Emotions Helps Build Relationship Skills Promotes Personal Growth and Identity DevelopmentI Increases Critical Thinking Enhancies Leadership Skills Having a safe place to share and voice their concerns will help them to openly express their feeling without being judged. There are many different ways of expression and it is important to keep that in mind!

Other Ways to Engage: Do Something Active Set A Challenge for Them Change the Negative by Asking Them to Focus on one Postive

#GoOnGirls

Page 11

ACCOUNTABILITY- Many of our young people are experiencing a new normal in their daily learning routine. In as much as possible, give them a say in what that change will look like, then hold them accountable for it.

This helps to give them a sense of responsibility.

One of the biggest challenges can be how to motivate them to do their best work and take responsibility for their learning. Here are a few tips that may be helpful:

Accountability breeds Responsibility ~Stephen R Covey

1. Creating an environment for learning: It is proven, no matter the age, that a designated area for working increases productivity. This can be even more effective now that they do not have the classroom.

2. Give them ownership of their learning: Allow them to be involved as much as possible in the daily schedule, accessing and submission of work and communicating with teachers. This is especially important for teens, to help promote personal growth.

3. Trust them with the responsibility: Trusting them to stick to the schedule and do the work helps to enhance leadership skills.

4. Affirm their progress: This is very helpful in boosting their confidence in times of change.

5. Consequences are necessary: Being clear about the consequences for a lack of responsibility serves as a reminder to choose wisely about keeping their schedule and doing the work.

REAL: We have to remember that their feelings as they perceive them, is their reality. We can not downplay them, but do our best to be a voice of reasoning for them.

Emotions are real. And the one valuable thing that we can offer our youth is patience as they process their fear. As they process their emotions, we can help them to think logically. Logical thinking could lead to verbally expressing their fears which ultimately helps them to deal with the emotion.

Respect other people's feelings. They might mean anything to you but could mean everything to them!

#GoOnGirls

We all handle our fears differently but our ultimate goal is to not let it paralyze us. So, it is vitally important to equip our youth early with tools to process through fear and learn how to handle it. These are a few ideas that may be helpful: 1. Acknowledge it: Once the fear is acknowledged and the source of it is realized that helps put the youth in a powerful place to work through it.

2. Focus on the present: Help them avoid "what if" questions and response. This help minimize fear by focusing on the now and what is presently going specifically with them.

3. Turn on positive thinking: This could be challenging but a change in perspective could help combat the negative emotions.

4. Get active: Moving and getting in some sort of physical exercise can take them away from their thoughts .

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JUNE 2020: ISSUE #6

EMPOWERED!

FEAR IS A REAL EMOTION....

It can act as an internal alarm that warns of things that could cause us harm or danger.

But adversely, fear can paralyze us when we allow it to control us. It can keep us from moving on, moving forward or challenging the situation at hand. That type of fear needs to be tamed. Having tools in place to help recognize, acknowledge and take action against that type of fear helps us to overcome it and not allow it to stop us!

WE ARE EMPOWERED!

Pearls For Girls, a non-profit organization, was established to impact the lives of young girls through activities and workshops that address the pressures and issues in life they encounter daily. Our organization has hosted etiquette training, vision board parties and workshops to bring enrichment, empowerment and encouragement to the lives of young ladies 8-16+ years old.

Our Mission is to Inspire, Motivate and Empower Young Ladies to Understand Their True Identity through the Wisdom of God!

Today our girls are facing many issues, situations and challenges and society tries to create a mold that we all should fit into. During the tween, teen and adolescent-adult phase of life it can be difficult sometimes to navigate through these issues and stay the course all the while trying to figure out who they are and who they are becoming. As a Coach and Trainer, it is my passion to help young ladies become their best, authentic self through social/life skills training, etiquette training and personal discovery. It is my belief that when we know, understand and truly love who we are, then we can make the best decisions and choices. We offer coaching support and tools to help with decision making, goal setting and personal development. I also offer support for the parents through Moms Chat Mondays and Moms Evening Out to help mothers help your young lady make smooth transitions in her life journey!

P.E.A.R.L.S. for Girls mentoring program incorporates character building, life and social skills to motivate tween, teen and young adult ladies to be their best selves. With a focus on self esteem, self value and self image. P.E.A.R.L.S. strive to inspire, motivate and encourage our girls to love themselves unconditionally. We believe that when they know, understand, and truly love who they are, then they will make better life choices and decisions. We hope that each young

lady

will

know

that

she

is

fearfully

and

wonderfully

made

and

live

a

life

of

true

authenticity.

P.O. BOX 320344 Flowood, MS 39232 (601)668-2633 pearlgirls139@gmail.com

#GoOnGirls

Page 17

#GoOnGirls is an online magazine written for and by girls! This project is to give a voice to the many talents of girls.... It is a house for the creative, the artist, the storyteller, the athlete, the dreamer, the community servant and the entrepreneur to share their gift! By signing up, you will receive information about the magazine release dates and how you may nominate a girl to be a feature or contributor for the magazine.

How would you like to be a part of the #GoOnGirls Magazine?

Contributor:

Contribute

by

submitting

a

sample

of

your

work

for

review.

This

could

be

artwork,

photography, short stories, poetry... any creative work!

Feature Story Nominee: Do you know of a girl doing great things in and around her community, school or home. We would love to hear about it... and possibly feature her in an issue of #GoOnGirls Magazine

Are you a parent, mentor, teacher, or a caring adult with wise counsel that you would like to be considered for submission for the #GoOnGirls Magazine. We would love to hear from you.

Do

you

have

a

product

that

you

would

like

to

be

considered

Magazine? We would love to hear from you. Send an email to

for

advertisement

in

#GoOnGirls

pearlgirls139@gmail.com Include

your

name or the name of the person you are nominating

Add a sample of your contribution or a brief description of the work if nominating for a magazine

#GoOnGirls

feature Include the best email contact for follow-up.

s l r i G n O o G #