COLUMBUS – Each graduating class at Columbus High School believes in the legacy they leave behind. However, for the Class of 2021 and 2022, their legacy is continuing by educating a new generation of students.
Zachariah Harden, Gregory Harper and Alexia Valdez are all first-year educators in the Columbus Municipal School District and CHS graduates.
Harden is at his alma mater teaching music. Harper also teaches music at Hunt Intermediate School, and Valdez is an assistant teacher at Stokes-Beard Elementary School.
“Music has always been a very important part of my life since I was an infant,” Harden said.
     Zachariah Harden   “I was always involved in music at Columbus High and Jackson State,” Harper said. “So being here at Hunt is a little surreal. I never went here. However, Mrs. (Monte) Ewing was my teacher. Now, she’s my principal.”
     Gregory Harper   “I participated in McKellar Technology Center’s Early Childhood Education program, and knew I wanted to do something with children,” Valdez said. “I would not have chosen this career path if not for that experience.”
     Alexia Valdez   Each of the alumni has walked their own path to get to this point in their career, but the seeds were planted in high school. Now they are learning the work that goes into each lesson and how to work with students to help bolster academic success.
“I have to pace myself and slow down to ensure all the students understand,” Harden said. “It’s all about meeting them where they are. I was very involved here (at CHS), so many of my former teachers know me. They’ve been so helpful and giving me tips as a first-year teacher.”
The first-year teachers remember what it is like to be a student, and they show how to continue growing and learning after graduation.
“I want students to know that music can be their form of expression,” Harper said. “Really, the arts can… drawing or singing can be a form of expression. This is a skill they can use for the rest of their lives.”
Harden plans to get his master’s degree. Valdez will graduate from Mississippi State University next year to become a teacher.
“I didn’t realize the work that goes into the job behind the scenes,” Valdez said. “It can be intense. I work with students who need extra help or time. I also assist our two (English learner) students in class. I speak Spanish, and so do they. So, that’s helpful. But honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Seeing the students grow and meet benchmarks after you put in the effort and energy is worth it.”