Inspire, Connect, Engage

Lumen De Gale
High School Class of 2020
Meeting Mrs. Ross was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. I met her at Magnolia Science Academy 4 and immediately knew I was in good hands. She is my favorite principal. I challenge you to find her deceitful. She is loving and compassionate, which is admirable in a world filled with so much hate. Mrs. Ross’s best traits are her reliability and drive. I learned that when she says, “I got you,” please know that that is what she means. She follows her words up with action. This lady will not “throw in the towel”!

The Police Officer Who Served and Mentored!
Lisa Ross met Officer Jeremiah Benjamin (JB) Williams while serving as principal. Officer Williams was a Los Angeles School Police Officer who supported schools, scholars, families, and the community. One day, Officer Williams was called to the school at the request of a parent whose child was having attendance issues. He took control of the meeting by speaking frankly and respectfully to both parents. He learned as much as he could about the young man and his family. From that day forward, Mrs. Ross knew she had gained a partner who would work with her to support and mentor struggling scholars.
Officer Williams decided to take this young man under his wing and became his mentor. He remembered his birthday and periodically called to check in with him. Officer Williams’ actions contributed to this young man graduating from high school instead of becoming a dropout.
While Officer Williams served the school, he impressed Mrs. Ross with his ease and gracefulness in interacting with students, faculty, and her.
He was a true advocate and mentor! He showed up, made connections, sought resources, and made people feel they mattered.
Sage Pathways honors Officer Williams’s legacy by continuing the work of advocating, mentoring, and supporting youth and their families.
“Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.”
~ Marian Wright Edelman, Founder and President Emerita, Children’s Defense Fund