Head Start was my foundation for who I have become and for all that I will be. For that, I am truly grateful.
– Caitlin Manning, former Head Start student, Austin, TX
Hello, my name is Caitlin Manning and I am a proud Head Start Alumni! Here is a little about me now: I am now a senior at Sweeny High School (SHS) and I am in the National Honor Society, where I hold office as an historian. I have a GPA of 4.0 and have been taking college classes since my sophomore year in high school. I am also in my 4th year as a member of the Bulldog Belle dance team where I am the Belle Goodwill Ambassador; a third year as a Gridiron Girl; a member of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and the Clinical Nursing Program at SHS; Varsity Baseball Stat Girl (going into my 3rd year); and a member of Work Industry Training (WIT).
I am also a very active member of my church, Great Mount Zion and am also active in volunteering in our community in the following organizations: Salvation Army (Christmas Bell Ringer); Sweeny United, where we assist people in the community with home repairs and lawn work; Gulf Coast Blood Center, where I give blood quarterly; and the GMZ Education and Development Center, where I assist with preparing for our annual Dream Math/Science/Reading Camp for youth.
I am a proud Head Start alumni; I feel that it prepared me in many ways for a successful future—from learning in the classroom, manners and hygiene, making friends, and more. I still have a special love for my Head Start teacher, Mrs. Emily. I will never forget the positive impact she had on my life. And when I see her to this day, she remembers me and gives me the same reassurance and positive words.
Head Start was my foundation for who I have become and for all that I will be. For that, I am truly grateful. THANK YOU!!