(Editor’s note: Dandridge is a 2002 graduate of North Panola High School, the daughter of Mae Dandridge and the granddaughter of Jennie B. Hardin and Pack Salter. She is a member of Pleasant Green M.B. Church.)

Being a student at North Panola High School for four years I really had a positive outlook on my life and my future. Starting as a freshman in 1998 was very scary but throughout the years, the North Panola staff was there to lend a helping hand. There were some teachers that were always there when I needed someone to talk to or needed that extra support. These teachers always encouraged me to do great on everything.

They pushed me to believe in my dreams. Those teachers were Mrs. Ida Allen, Mr. Emile Williams, Mrs. Rosetta Taylor, Mrs. Katherine Spragins and Mrs. Katina Kitchens-Lloyd.

I graduated from North Panola High School on May 24, 2002. I went on to further my education in Nashville, Tenn. at High Tech Institute, where I majored in surgical technology. I graduated in 2003 with a 3.7 G.P.A. and my associate of applied science degree.

Upon graduation, I later accepted my first job in my profession as a surgical tech at Tri-Lakes Medical Center in Batesville. I provided my services there for five months. I furthered my experience by joining the surgical team at Baptist Memorial Hospital of Oxford in 2004. I continued there for 2 1/2 years. I was recently offered the opportunity to become a travel surgical tech.

Needless to say, I gladly accepted the position. I am currently in Honolulu, Hawaii for four months on my first travel assignment. I made a great decision by accepting this job. Although I love my job and what I do, I plan to further my education in the medical field. My future plans include achieving the goal of becoming an ultrasound technician.

I would like to say to any current students in the North Panola School District, you too can achieve all the goals in which you believe. Believe in God, yourself and your school system at North Panola and the sky is the limit for your achievement.

Without the help of the North Panola School District and staff, I would not be as successful as I am today. To North Panola and the North Panola staff, I truly thank you.