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On Friday, LaGrange High School participated in its fourth annual Georgia’s Future Educators Signing Day, a statewide initiative sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education.

The event celebrated seven graduating seniors from the class of 2023 who have decided to pursue a career in education.

The future teachers include Iyandra Canty, Kayla Cifuentes, Ayonna Leonard, Jazziah Kennedy, Shaniya Render, Spenser Smith, and Destiny Wilkerson.

Canty plans to attend Troy State University to become a middle school teacher. Cifuentes, Leonard and Smith plan to attend the University of West Georgia. Kennedy and Render plan to attend Fort Valley State University. Wilkerson plans to attend Savannah State University to become a pre-k teacher.

During the event representatives from the colleges and universities, the students will attend in the fall were present to “welcome” them to their future place of study with school merchandise.

As each student was recognized, former teachers from various TCSS schools the students attended got the opportunity to give a few words about the character of the student and wished them well on the journey of becoming an educator.

Superintendent Brian Shumate presented each senior with an Intent to Employ letter.

The letter, signed by Shumate and notarized, states TCSS wishes to employ the students as full-time teachers in education after graduation after successfully completing the following:

• Completes a four-year degree in education in a K-12 teaching area offered by the Troup County School System.
• Passes the GACE test as required by the state of Georgia.
• Is granted a full teaching certificate by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
• Is cleared by a criminal background check.
• Is fully vetted and approved by the Troup County School System Human Resources Department.

“We wish you well as you move forward to all these universities and do what you want to do. When we talk about ‘A place for every kid’ this is a prime example of a kid who found their place. Every kid in high school should experience this,” Shumate said.