In her first month as principal, a pipe burst in Alexandria Miller’s Park Forest, Illinois, school, leaving the floor covered in several inches of water. Overnight, the 20 students relocated from the South Suburban School to Emmanuel Church and resumed their lessons in Sabbath School rooms, connecting to the Wi-Fi in the sanctuary. This transition was extraordinary as Miller was then juggling a myriad of roles at the school: principal, teacher and bus driver.
Navigating the herculean task of handling such a disruption while wearing so many hats requires immense dedication and skill. These traits led to the city of Park Forest naming Alexandria Miller Teacher of the Year at their annual “academy awards” on Jan. 27, 2024. Residents and parents nominated Miller for her commitment to excellence.
It’s a recognition she’s quick to share with others. Miller credits the rich community involvement. Whether it’s a PTA meeting or the school’s “Taste Around the World” celebration where families bring foods from different cultures, neighbors and community members pour into school events, providing support and unwavering investment, including the fire station and local businesses. Even the mayor took time to connect with the students.
The 32-year-old knows what it’s like for children to be nurtured in a Christian environment. She was once a student at South Suburban and credits her third through eighth grade years at the school for sparking an interest in teaching and the pursuit of an education degree at Oakwood University.
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