At Main Street Academy "There's a Dream with Your Name on It”

On Friday, the Leadership Academy at Main Street Academy and Branded for Knowledge hosted a program with guest speaker Judge Glenda Hatchett of the Judge Hatchett Show.

Guests included female students from Carver High School. Judge Hatchett encouraged the girls to dream and put forth the work necessary to accomplish their dreams. She shared her history of obstacles overcome while on her journey. She conveyed there were “haters,” but the way to get them off of her was to fulfill her dream.  

Judge Hatchett organized the girls in groups based on their dream choices. She believes that having support gives you strength. The girls were instructed to call each other by their titles instead of their names. This helps to keep their dreams alive.

Ms. Hatchett was very direct with her conversation. “Keeping your dreams in front of you motivates you to work hard toward achievement.”

Tawnee Smith, President of Leadership Council at Main Street Academy, stated, “Knowing someone of Judge Hatchett’s stature has made mistakes makes me feel less stressed about my mistakes. She was transparent with us.” Tawnee also believes she can overcome her obstacles and achieve her dreams.

Prasyla Martinez, Leadership Secretary said that she felt a connection with the other students. “We all have different situations, as females, we should empathize with each other and not hate on one another.”

“Branded for Knowledge, a partner of Main Street Academy, has been essential to exposing our students to various resources, which helps our students make informed decisions about their lives and post-secondary,” said Principal Ron Travis.

Bobby Kimbrough, Founder of Branded for Knowledge and Ms. Denise Smith, his assistant, regularly visit Main Street Academy to mentor the students and assist in various ways. “Their presence is greatly influential to our students,” Travis said.

Artanzia Rice, Leadership Program advisor, indicated how personable Judge Hatchett was. “When students feel comfortable, they open up and express themselves. The students were engaged and inspired to dream and work hard to attain those dreams.”

“There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing students have a revelation,” Travis said. “Judge Hatchett gave the young ladies advice on how to succeed. Hopefully, they will continually strive to achieve their goals, so that they can become productive citizens in society.”