10-year-old Mang Par didn’t know how to speak English, when she first walked into her classroom at Abraham Lincoln Elementary. In fact, this was the first time in her entire life that she had walked into a real classroom. Par did not have formal education in her impoverished home country, Burma. That’s one reason, why she and her family fled as refugees. 

Needless to say, Par felt terrified at the idea of being a student in this strange, new place. Her distress soon faded, though, when she was greeted by her teacher, Mrs. Burgess. 

“Mrs. Burgess had a profound impact on my education. Although I didn’t speak English at the time, she sparked my curiosity and instilled a love for learning. In retrospect, my last two years of elementary school were truly an adventure,” said Par.

Par felt safe, supported, and encouraged to grow. This could not have been possible without the teachers who saw her potential beyond the language barrier. Along with Mrs. Burgess, Par recalls another teacher who offered unwavering support and comfort during her most formative years: Mrs. Floyd. 

“Mrs. Floyd wasn’t just a teacher, she was my constant, my encourager, my quiet strength. Since I was 10, she has been the wind beneath my wings,” Par explained. 

What stood out the most to Par were the small, yet powerful moments—the teachers who took the time to get to know her, even when she didn’t speak the language.

“One of the most memorable moments was a family picnic hosted by the EL department at ALE. We were so warmly welcomed, and it was there that we received books and enjoyed crafts together as a family. Another significant experience was with Mr. Hyzer, the gym teacher, who always found creative and fun ways to engage us in physical activity despite my health struggles,” said Par

Par also credits other key individuals who played vital roles in her success. Mrs. Mills, her high school counselor, was there to guide her through the college application process, offering reassurance and support when Par needed it most.

“Mrs. Mills, my counselor, helped ease my anxiety about applying to college and scholarships as a first-generation student. She guided me every step of the way, offering the reassurance I needed. Perry Township has shown me the power of advocacy—both having it and learning to self-advocate,” said Par.

Par graduated from Perry Meridian High School in 2020. After high school, she studied Elementary Education at Marian University. She did her student teaching at Abraham Lincoln Elementary, the very school where she found comfort as a child. Par graduated in 2024 and is now a Kelly Substitute teacher in the very school she first stepped foot in. Her experiences as a student in the district inspired her trajectory in life. 

“I wanted to become a teacher because of the incredible impact teachers had on me when I was a student in ALE. It wasn’t just one thing that made a difference, but the collective experience of being in ALE that truly shaped my journey,” she said. 

These experiences shaped Par’s vision for her own classroom. Her goal as an educator is simple: to make her future students feel seen, valued, and excited to learn. 

“I plan to help my students grow academically, socially, and behaviorally by being intentional and genuine in my approach,” said Par. 

Perry Township Schools didn’t just help Par academically—it gave her the support to grow personally and become the person she is today. 

“Perry Township Schools played a significant role in my growth, both academically and personally. Throughout my time in the district, I’ve had the privilege of being advocated for and supported, which encouraged me to embrace challenges and fueled my love for learning,” said Par. 

Par’s story is a perfect example of how Perry Township Schools doesn’t just educate; it nurtures and empowers students to grow into the best versions of themselves—ready to give back and help the next generation thrive.

“I hope to empower my students to embrace challenges, advocate for themselves, and find joy in learning—just like my teachers did for me,” said Par. 

A special thanks to all of the teachers, counselors, and staff who have helped Par along the way—Mrs. Burgess, Mrs. Floyd, Mr. Hyzer, and Mrs. Mills—your impact will continue through the generations!

We Grow Kids. And sometimes, they come back to help others grow, too!