CARROLLTON, GA – Carrollton High School Class of 2002 graduate Dr. Kimberly Flanders returned to her alma mater to address the student body in honor of Black History Month. As a valedictorian of CHS, Dr. Flanders shared words of wisdom, answered questions, and provided encouragement. 

As she walked on stage, Dr. Flanders engaged students from the first moment: asking the auditorium to participate by raising hands or answering questions. Sharing her connection to them as a graduate of CHS, she noted her high school involvement, giving a nod to the Trojan Marching Band as a pivotal piece in her development.  

Now a leadership coach and Associate Vice Provost at Dallas College, Flanders has built her career in education, starting with her own. A first-generation college graduate, she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mercer University before attending Auburn University, where she obtained a Master of Education in Community Agency Counseling. Later, she returned to Mercer to complete her doctorate, focusing on educational leadership, specifically for higher education. As the Founder of Queenly ConsiderATIONS, she provides coaching and leadership training for women who want to grow in their spheres of influence.  

In her message to students, she shared the importance of investing in education, as well as in relationships, including those they have right now at Carrollton High School and in their community. She shared that she believes many of the opportunities she has been offered were based on how she engaged with others, emphasizing the importance of making a positive impact by treating others with respect and taking responsibility for actions. 

Encouraging students to find their passion and drive towards it with purpose, she gave students advice to help guide them.

“If you don’t know what [your passion] is yet, let it find you. Pay attention to what matters to you, pay attention to what makes you angry, and then, find that thing that you want to fix,” said Dr. Flanders. “In doing so, master perseverance because life will not be easy.”

During the question-and-answer session with students, Dr. Flanders was asked: What is something you learned while at Carrollton High School that impacts you today? 

She shared an honest story about an experience in high school, facing disappointment when not being named Drum Major in the band, which taught her “just because you don’t win at something, doesn’t negate who you are as a leader, or moving forward, but I had to learn how to fail gracefully” – a skill she uses to this day.  

CHS Assistant Principal Regina Hytower spearheaded the event and the culminating events leading up to it, including the hallway decorating contest throughout the school. She reflected on the programming and its impact.

“It was truly an honor to oversee such an incredible event. Watching everyone come together in celebration of 100 years of commemorating Black History Month—since its beginnings as Black History Week—was both inspiring and unforgettable,” said Hytower. 

The assembly served as a vibrant showcase of talent, featuring the Trojan Band’s performance of “In Living Color” by alumnus Katahj Copley (’16) and a powerful rendition of “Stand Up” by the CHS chorus. Celebrating Afro-Latino traditions, Spanish teacher Luis Marti joined students Alex Martinez Rolon, Luis Marti Reyes, and Momar Diack for a pandero drum arrangement of plena music. The program also highlighted the dance team’s state competition routine and a guest appearance by Kennesaw State University’s Iota Phi Theta fraternity, including alumnus Jalen Pate (’21), who captivated the audience with their “1963” educational stroll. 

From assemblies to school contests, students across campus have celebrated the achievements of African Americans throughout February, educating while honoring a legacy.
 

Dr. Kimberly Flanders, CHS ‘02 valedictorian, returns to her alma mater to address the student body during the Black History Month assemblies, empowering them with words of wisdom and encouragement.