Brighter Future: A Tangi Schools Podcast

In this episode of Brighter Future, Superintendent Melissa Stilley sits down with Rushetta Baker, principal of Independence Leadership Academy, to talk about the experiences that shaped her as an educator and the vision guiding her first full year as principal.

Rushetta shares how her journey took her from studying biology and health education to discovering a passion for teaching and serving students. She reflects on her experiences as a student athlete at Alcorn State University and the teachers, coaches, and members of the Independence community who helped shape the leader she is today.

Now, she is pouring that experience back into the community that invested in her. Rushetta discusses her commitment to building trust, leading by example, strengthening teachers, and preparing students not only academically, but also to become critical thinkers, responsible citizens, and young people of strong character.

She also shares what is ahead for Independence Leadership Academy, including stronger family and community partnerships, opportunities to connect with local businesses, and continued improvements to the school campus.

Listen now and get to know Rushetta Baker and her vision for the students, staff, families, and future of Independence Leadership Academy.

In this episode of Brighter Future, Superintendent Melissa Stilley sits down with Veronica Richardson, principal of Chesbrough Elementary School, to talk about her journey into education, her approach to leadership, and her vision.

Veronica shares how a career path that began with a degree in accounting ultimately led her to discover her calling in education. From the classroom to district leadership roles, each step of her journey has shaped a leadership philosophy centered around one goal: to inspire.

As she begins her first full school year as principal, Veronica discusses her priorities for Chesbrough, including supporting teachers, strengthening instruction, improving campus culture, expanding family and community engagement, and preparing for additional classroom space on campus.

She also shares why success is about more than academics. For Veronica, creating a brighter future means helping students feel safe, valued, confident, and proud of every step of growth along the way.

Listen now and get to know Veronica Richardson, her heart for education, and the vision guiding the future of Chesbrough Elementary School.

In this episode of Brighter Future, Superintendent Melissa Stilley sits down with Dr. Keith Sanders, the new principal of Ponchatoula High School, to discuss his approach to leadership and his vision for the school’s next chapter.

As he steps into his new role, Dr. Sanders is beginning by listening. He shares how conversations with teachers, families, and community members, along with a close look at student data, will help shape the priorities and goals for Ponchatoula High moving forward.

The conversation also explores academic growth, Louisiana’s changing school accountability system, opportunities to strengthen parent involvement through a PTA, and the importance of building strong partnerships between the school and the Ponchatoula community.

Through listening, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement, Dr. Sanders is focused on building upon the strengths of Ponchatoula High while identifying new opportunities for students, teachers, and families to succeed.

Listen now and get to know Dr. Keith Sanders and the vision guiding the next chapter at Ponchatoula High School.

In this episode of Brighter Future, Superintendent Melissa Stilley sits down with Megan Picou, the new principal of Perrin Early Learning Center in Ponchatoula, to learn more about her journey into education and her vision for the school's future.

Growing up in a family of educators, Megan shares how she discovered her calling to teach, the administrators who inspired her leadership journey, and why supporting teachers is one of her highest priorities. She discusses her commitment to creating a nurturing environment where students develop a love for learning while building the literacy skills that will serve as the foundation for their future success.

Megan also shares her plans to strengthen relationships with families by encouraging parent involvement and creating meaningful opportunities for the community to become part of the school experience.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about leadership, early childhood education, and the importance of building strong foundations for every student as they begin their educational journey.

In this episode of Brighter Future, Superintendent Melissa Stilley sits down with Michelle Gallo, a longtime community leader whose passion for helping children and families has made a lasting impact across Tangipahoa Parish.

Michelle shares her journey from the food industry to becoming a driving force behind some of the parish’s most meaningful educational and community initiatives. From helping launch the accelerated program at Hammond Eastside, which later grew into the district’s magnet school programs, to creating resources like the Crime Stoppers P3 app, Michelle has spent years connecting people and ideas to better support students.

She also discusses the creation of Hope Closets on every school campus, providing students with essentials like food, hygiene products, and uniforms, as well as her leadership in the Get on the Bus campaign, helping supply students with the tools they need to start the school year strong.

This episode highlights the power of community partnership and the incredible impact one person can make by simply stepping up and saying, “Let’s do it together.”

In this episode of Brighter Future, Superintendent Melissa Stilley sits down with Tangipahoa Parish School Board President Trent Anthony for a conversation about the important role governance plays in public education.

Trent provides an inside look at the responsibilities of the school board, including setting policy, approving budgets, establishing district priorities, and working alongside the superintendent to support student success. He explains how board members balance the needs of their individual communities while making decisions that serve the entire school system.

The discussion also explores the challenges facing public education, the importance of responsible financial stewardship, and the collaborative relationship between the school board and district leadership. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how governance decisions impact everything from school safety and facilities to academic achievement and long term planning.

Whether you are a parent, employee, student, or community member, this episode offers valuable insight into the leadership and decision making that help guide Tangipahoa Parish Schools and create a brighter future for all students.

In this episode of Brighter Future, Superintendent Melissa Stilley sits down with Nylah Tarver, a 2020 graduate of Loranger High School and current student at Southeastern Louisiana University studying television multimedia journalism.

Nylah shares her journey from navigating graduation during the pandemic to discovering her passion for storytelling and communication. What began as an interest in sports reporting eventually opened the door to news reporting, community engagement, and an unforgettable opportunity to interview national television icon Robin Roberts.

Throughout the conversation, Nylah reflects on the importance of taking risks, embracing mistakes, and remaining open to opportunities even when the path forward is uncertain. She also shares advice for graduating seniors about pursuing their passions, overcoming fear, and trusting that every experience can lead to growth.

This episode is an inspiring reminder that sometimes the biggest opportunities come from simply being willing to take the chance.

In this episode of Brighter Future, Superintendent Melissa Stilley sits down with Mrs. Ann Trappey, a longtime educator whose impact has reached generations of students across Tangipahoa Parish.

Ann shares her journey into education, including a challenging first year that nearly led her to walk away, and how that experience shaped her into the teacher she became. Over the course of her career, she taught in multiple school systems, spent more than 20 years at Kentwood High, and continues to support teachers at the district level.

She reflects on the importance of storytelling in the classroom, why social studies matters, and what she calls “teacher pay”—the lasting impact educators see through the lives of their students.

This episode is a powerful look at the heart of teaching and the difference one educator can make over a lifetime.

In this episode of Brighter Future, Superintendent Melissa Stilley sits down with Sharon Spring to discuss how the Reach University partnership is creating a new pathway for aspiring educators in Tangipahoa Parish.

Through this program, paraprofessionals have the opportunity to earn a four year degree while continuing to work full time, gaining real classroom experience, contributing to retirement, and doing it all at an affordable cost. As the need for certified teachers continues to grow, programs like Reach are opening doors and providing real solutions for our schools.

You will also hear from Nikki Varnado, a Reach graduate and New Teacher of the Year, as she shares her journey from paraprofessional to teacher. Her story is a powerful example of what is possible when opportunity meets determination and support.

This episode highlights how Tangipahoa Parish is investing in its people, strengthening classrooms, and creating meaningful pathways for those who feel called to teach.

In this episode of Brighter Future: A Tangi Schools Podcast, Superintendent Melissa Stilley sits down with Ashton Lee, a proud Tangipahoa Parish graduate whose journey has taken him from Loranger Elementary and Loranger Middle to the IB program at Hammond High, and now to Washington University in St. Louis on a full scholarship.

Ashton shares how growing up in Tangipahoa helped shape his goals, how the IB program expanded his perspective, and what it was like navigating high school during both COVID 19 and Hurricane Ida. He reflects on getting involved at a young age, including serving on Superintendent Stilley’s original transition team as an eighth grader and speaking at the district’s first back to school rally.

Now double majoring in Political Science and Educational Studies, Ashton is continuing his passion for service through civic engagement. He played a key role in helping launch a Youth Advisory Council in Tangipahoa Parish, creating opportunities for student voices to be heard at both the district and school levels.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership does not come from a title. It comes from a willingness to serve, speak up, and take action. Ashton’s story is one that will inspire students, educators, and our entire community to believe in the impact of youth voice and the future it can shape.