2. Amelda Cross MY STORY " Real success is finding your lifework in the work that you love.“ David mcCullough

3. I presently reside in Cleveland, MS. Many know it as the Mississippi Delta where Blues originated. I have work with the Cleveland School District as an Intervention Reading Coach for Third graders for that last past year. Prior to my current position, I’ve worked in the healthcare industry for over 16+ years as well as real estate for 7 years. After countless moments of me denying what my true purpose was, I decided to walk out on faith and pursue my true passion, “Education.” I have a youth enrichment program called, “The Cross-Group Enrichment Program” which focuses on empowering youth to unleash their potential and create positive life-shaping experiences. Who I Am:

4. My Family Ashley Jimmy Mikel Malik I am a mother of four. I have a 22 year old daughter who’s a senior at Florida State University, a son who’s a senior in high school and will be attending Purdue University in the Fall of 2014 and twin boys that are juniors in high school.

5. Delta Demonstration Center/Head Start (Cleveland, MS) – Public School Cypress Park Elementary School (Cleveland, MS) – Public School Twin Groves Middle School (Buffalo Grove, IL) – Public school Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire, IL) – Public school Delta State University (Cleveland, MS) SCHOOL YEARS Key Experience : When I was in the sixth grade my father was transferred to Buffalo Grove, IL and I had to relocate to a new school. I had a teacher Mr. Krauss who called on me to read out loud my first day. Well to my surprise I wasn’t very good at reading and as I read many students made smirching noises. It was quite embarrassing. I remember making myself a promise that I would become a better reader than all those students and I did. This lesson taught me that no matter what your situation is with dedication and determination you can conquer anything. Stevenson H.S.

6. My Future My passion is discovering interest to manifest purpose in youths. I believe that every student has a unique gift and when those gifts are nurtured and cultivated their family, community and even this country benefits. I spend a great deal inspiring youth to maximize their full potential. So my goal is to one day become a High School Principal. Me as a High School Principal

7. Principals are vital to the success of a school. Becoming a principal will be a worthy, challenging and rewarding aspiration in my career in education. By pursuing a masters degree I will be exposed to opportunities that will further develop my leadership and communication skills. It will allow me to gain valuable knowledge that will assist me as I pursue my dream. IMPORTANCE OF A MASTER DEGREE

8. Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation. John F. Kennedy Quote

9. My Youth Organization Last summer I took 32 students on a college tour we visited 6 states