Editor ’ s note : While talking with a friend , we began discussing the importance of education among African American children and the lack of . So , in an effort to provide some imparting wisdom and knowledge , we have interviewed educational alternatives for children . In the next coming issues , we will bring you a number of schools that are in the trenches for our future generation

school .” Lewis stated . Lewis is no stranger to the educational system .

transportation .” Lewis was issued a Medicaid number so she was able

Jaqueline Harris Preparatory School

For Mrs . CelestineLewis , The Jacqueline Harris Preparatory School is more than just a school , it ’ s a way to allow African American children the same opportunity without any labels . “ It ’ s

Jaqueline Harris

Cantonment , was highly respected , and loved children . There were a couple of us that got together and decided to take the label off of the children-take off the design brand , shoes put them in uniform and see what the outcome would be . For Lewis , she admits , it has been a journey . “ The Board ( of Directors ) was presented a charter in 2001and it was approved . It was started in 2001 and we ’ ve been in business for eighteen years .” She said . Jacqueline Harris was a part of the beginning stages of the school but

Jaqueline Harris Conference Room

2003 , the school had to find a larger setting and moved to 1408 North Blount Street .

Keyboard Room of JHPA

“ God blessed us to be there from 2003 to 2017 . In December of 2016 , we closed the to offer more programs .” She said . The school has volunteers that assist with

Escambia County School District Closet

part of my life ; it ’ s the little girl coming up way back when , the environment , things that was taught to me and instilled at any early age , speaking in

Students and Teacher

complete sentences and most of all , knowing whose I am and who I am ,” she began . “ I am a firm believer that in order for a person to really know who they are they have to know about themselves .” The school was named after an educator ; Jacqueline Harris . She grew up in Cedartown-North

JHPA School Entrance Wall

passed suddenly before the Charter was actually presented . “ She doesn ’ t even know we got the Charter approved .” Said Lewis . The school first opened its doors at 615 N W

Street in 2001 and quickly outgrew the building . By

Ms . Simpson 1st Grade Class at JHPA

JHPA Computer Lab

Jaqueline Harris School street sign

deal here ( 8190 Pensacola Blvd .) and began moving in May of 2017 . We outgrew the facility on North Blount , not because of the large number , but because we wanted to incorporate the arts ; the piano , the choir , dance , sewing and swimming . We have also partnered with the University of West Florida Aquatics for swimming . It wasn ’ t about having the capacity to take more children ; it was about having the space the extra programs such as the piano , dance , etc . “ These programs , including Math and Reading will be offered to the students with the IB Students from Pensacola High School tutoring ,” stated Lewis . The school is a SACS accredited school “ We

JHPA Sewing Room

have to have all of our teachers accredited . It is a tuition free school that is uniform based . If parents cannot afford to purchase uniforms , we have uniforms available to them . Jacqueline Harris has its own closet for its uniforms and a boutique for Escambia County Schools . It ’ s from K thru high

“ I was on the Escambia County Utilities Authority and I had my own group home keeping siblings together . I did that for 10 years . In fact , that ’ s how my son came to me ,” she said . “ I ’ ve gotten involved with projects because of the need . I started programs to work with all behavioral . I did that for the entire school district . At that time , we used community

Principle Celestine Lewis

School District Botique for Kids

to bill Medicaid for the children behaviors . When asked what was her most rewarding moment she replied “ To see these children come back and see how well they have done . We ’ ve had very few that we ’ ve had fall through the cracks . Most of our children have done very well . All because they have a foundation - they know who they are .”

Cassandra Waller- Team Captain Chris McFarland- Team Manager Katie Belk- Brown Barge Jim Branton- IT Lisa Branton- ESE Brent Brummet- Ransom Middle School Pam Cebula- ESE Shelly Cox- Scenic Heights Elementary Mary De Boer- N B Cook Elementary Jeff Elliott- IT Catrena Fieg- Hellen Caro Elementary Jacob Fink- School Choice Martha Hanna- Student Services Joel Hollon- Continuous Improvement Lisa Joyner- Student Services Steve Marcanio- Curriculum and Instruction Crystal Marr- Bailey Middle School Gary Marsh- Superintendent ’ s Office Katelyn McFarland- West Florida High School Becky Mills- N B Cook Elementary Tara Palasciano- Bellview Middle School Joe Snyder- Brown Barge Middle school Brian Spivey- Professional Learning Jimmie Sterns- EASA Debbie Sterns- EASA Anna Tedder- Alternative Education Betty Timms- ESE Denny Wilson- Continuous Improvement

This year ’ s McDonald ’ s ® 365 Black ® honorees are a living testament to the power of inspiration . With every personal victory , they ’ ve used their success to lift their community to new heights . To learn more about the achievements and contributions of this group of extraordinary women , visit 365Black . com