Melanie Hensleigh-Parsons, a teacher in the Garland High School ‘Advancement via Individual Determination’ program, recently received a special Christmas gift from the AVID students.
Parsons has battled breast cancer several times and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments. The side effects of the treatments sometimes make it difficult for her to carry in daily class supplies. Colleagues and students have been great to help her carry things in, but the AVID students went one step further.
Teacher Aldo Guzman’s AVID class recently surprised Parsons with a decorated parking place near the outside door by her classroom. The painted space includes a pink ribbon to represent Parsons’ breast cancer fight.
Parsons, who has been at GHS for 27 years, said that the people there are like a second family.
“I consider it an honor to teach my students and coworkers about our culture and how we serve our campus and community with heart and pride because we are the Owls,” Parsons said.
Parsons had already decided that she would ask Principal Wisener about a parking place but was waiting until the end of the semester.
“But wonderful things happen at GHS as we all know,” she said.
To her surprise, it had already been approved and when Guzman’s students finished the painting, they went to her classroom and tricked her into going out to see the parking space.
“It was the best surprise ever. I love my Owl family and AVID clan,” Parsons said. “I can’t count the letters, cards, posters and hugs we share for strength and encouragement daily at GHS.”
She recalled a past story of a GHS colleague’s show of support and compassion.
“One of the kindest things a colleague did for me was when I went through my illness before was when I was working in the office doing Student Activities and needed a place to park to come and go for appointments and radiation,” Parsons said. “Assistant Principal Rick Brandenburg gave me his space and the Art Department painted it and put my name on it.”
Parsons said that the students and teachers tell her that she inspires them.
“They also inspire me to continue fighting because of their spirit and compassion,” she said. “It’s a beautiful thing. I am blessed by my school and the love we share for learning and each other.”