Picayune School District Parents of the Year announced

Published 7:00 am Thursday, April 11, 2019

Picayune School District’s Board of Trustees met each school’s Parent of the Year during Tuesday’s meeting.

Each principal took their tour to introduce their school’s Parent of the Year along with a short description of why that parent was chosen.

Lisa Howie, principal at Nicholson Elementary, introduced Jennifer Perrone as her school’s Parent of the Year. Perrone was described as someone who helps with box top cutting for fundraisers, field days and anything else the school needs.

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Katie Canulet, assistant principal at Roseland Park, introduced Michelle Broadway as that school’s Parent of the Year. She was chosen because of her dedication and work with establishing the snack shack at the school, Share the Love dance and helping with anything the school needs.

Kerri Wilder, principal at West Side Elementary, introduced Melissa Heath as that school’s Parent of the Year. Heath was chosen due to her heavy involvement in the Parent Teacher Organization and serving as president, her work in the Gator Store, organizing field trips and her efforts with the student of the month program.

“She might as well work full time at West Side,” Wilder said.

Debbie Smith, principal at South Side Upper Elementary, introduced the Parent of the Year for her school and also South Side Lower Elementary, Stephanie Ussery. Ussery is a member of the PTO at both schools, she helps with fundraisers, the end of the year field day, teacher appreciation events and is also a para-professional at the school. She has also been responsible for holding book drives in the city to help promote literacy, Smith said.

Gen Breland, principal at Picayune Junior High, said that his school’s Parent of the Year was absent due to a family matter; Cheryl Espino. She was described as being heavily involved with the school and essential in helping the new band director get settled in.

“What she’s done for me is indescribable,” Breland said.

Picayune Memorial High School Principal Kent Kirtland introduced Bobby Franklin as his school’s Parent of the Year. Franklin was described as a parent who is heavily involved with the students, both on and off campus. He is the president of the Football Booster Club, works with the band and is also involved with the school’s drama club. He is also responsible for giving the football stadium a cleaner appearance through a week’s worth of pressure washing.

Franklin was also named District Parent of the Year by Superintendent Dean Shaw.

For more on Tuesday’s meeting, see Friday’s edition.