Political Quotes

“In honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Jacqueline Byrd. Jacqueline Byrd is the superintendent of Polk County Public Schools, an educator, wife of Jason Byrd, Sr., and mother of Jason Byrd, Jr., and Jalyn Byrd. She was the first African-American superintendent of Polk County Public Schools. Through her continued focus on improving education for all students, she has become a role model for students, and is an advocate for educating all students, creating wraparound services to address meeting their needs and in removing barriers to allow for success. Jacqueline can be found visiting schools, talking to students, attending events, and advocating on behalf of her students through local community leaders. She loves spending time with her husband and family, even though many of these evenings are spent at school events. She is the youngest of six children of Eugene and Irene Hodges. Her siblings have always said: ``She should have been the oldest.'' Her parents taught her that she would face challenges as an African- American woman, but her independence, character, and integrity were important. She has passed these life lessons to both her children. Jacqueline is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and serves on various boards of directors within her community and State. As part of her service to the community, she served as a spokesperson for the National Bone Marrow Donor Program.…”