By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Union City High School senior Howard Kitchen has come a long way.
And while many of his teachers are rejoicing in his journey, his story is being shared nationally — thanks to UC Schools Director of Special Populations Laney Rogers.
Rogers’ social media post of Howard’s story that detailed his early time as a student who was struggling with behavior issues to now a school mentor as a senior, caught the eye of Today Show’s Genevieve Brown.
Brown contacted Rogers by email, and the two – along with Howard — set up a telephone interview that is currently posted at today.com to further highlight and give more details on Kitchen’s journey and the people who contributed to it.
“Earlier this year, Howard and I were reminiscing on his early days and memories of challenges for him and how much he has grown and what a great young man he has become,” Rogers said. “I told Howard we had some students at our elementary school that were in similar situations and that maybe he should ‘give back’ to some of those kids and let them hang out with someone who knows what they are going through. Maybe he could help.
“With the help of his UC High School teacher, Trudi Collins, they emailed our principal at the elementary school, Mr. (David) Byars, and offered Howard’s services during his study hall to serve as a mentor.”
Howard’s first day “on the job” at UCES was Jan. 27.
“My Facebook post was made on his first day on the job, so to speak,” Rogers said after Howard was encouraged to mentor a loveable kindergarten student who was struggling with some behavior issues. He was walking back from the cafeteria and being stopped repeatedly by all of the eager little “huggers” in the kindergarten hall, and it brought tears to my eyes. He truly desires to help other small children.
“I made a post on Facebook while he was in the car with me before I dropped him back off at the high school. I wanted just to praise Howard and all of his team and maybe even remind myself that choosing to love and be kind has success stories too!
“When I was contacted about this interview, Mrs. (Jessica) Graham, Ms. Collins, and I met with Howard to share with him the magnitude of what was happening. I explained to him, ‘this is your story…this isn’t about any of us. The world is listening…what do you want to say?’”
Turns out the whole world will now be able to listen.
https://www.today.com/parents/parents/love-teachers-helped-troubled-student-turn-rcna15423