Thanks to Jennifer (Mitchell) Ellington for her submission for the MHS Peek at the Past! Jenny is a graduate of MHS as is her husband, Chris and daughter, Tori Ellington. Jenny says this about her time at MHS: “School was not always easy for me but when I had a few friends (Jill, Miranda and Jenny) invite me to join FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), I felt like I had found my people. I loved this club and everything about it. Susie Weir was the sponsor of this club and she was always one of my biggest fans and still is today.
I enjoyed learning from her (and my upperclassman) what it was like to be a business professional, how to carry yourself with your head held high, not wearing open toed shoes with your business suit, not wearing sleeveless shirts in professional situations, the importance of greeting people with a smile, eye contact, and a firm handshake…all advice of which I still use today.
During my years in FBLA we led many community service projects, held a fashion show, competed at local and state competitions on things such as public and impromptu speaking. Over the years I held a few offices, won a few local and state awards for public speaking which I loved and was way out of my comfort zone and would have never done without this club and a push from my friends. Putting on a business suit and winning these awards gave me confidence in myself that I had never had before. Because of Susie Weir and the FBLA club, I went on to college for Business Management and I loved every minute of it. One of my favorite memories was when my mom got to travel to an overnight competition with us and she drove the three boys that were in the club; she said she laughed the whole way there and back. She loved getting to see me in my element and doing something I loved. Another great memory was making tie-dyed shirts and socks for the club homecoming float with Jess and Brandy in my backyard.”
Thanks for the wonderful memories of MHS Jennifer! We love hearing how FBLA and retired teacher Susie Weir impacted you…it’s time to hear from YOU…send memories and/or photos to vnorton@martinsville.k12.il.us