Aug 5

Aug 5 The Ripple Effect of an Involved Parent: A Community's Cornerstone

What does it truly mean to be an involved parent? It’s a question that resonates deeply within our schools and communities. It's more than a checklist of obligations; it’s an active and unwavering commitment to a child's entire world. An involved parent is a vital thread in the fabric of a community, and in Lexington, one such parent is a perfect example of this dedication.

Henderson poses alongside her three children, Isabella, Zoey, and Wyatt.

At Davidson Local, we've seen this dedication firsthand in Sam Henderson, a certified medical Labotory technician and real estate analyst in corporate finance along as being mother of three student-athletes in the Lexington City School District: Isabella, Zoey, and Wyatt. Her children's well-being and success are clearly at the heart of everything she does. As a former teacher's assistant at Lexington Middle School, I witnessed her devotion firsthand. Sam was a constant, positive presence, making it a point to be there for every pep rally, school dance, and sporting event. She wasn't just a spectator; she was a participant in her children’s lives, extending her involvement beyond the school walls and into the broader community. Her example was so profound that I often found myself thinking, "If only we had more parents like her."

Her commitment is a powerful gift to our Lexington Senior High School. When parents are actively engaged, they become invaluable partners in a child's education. They bridge the gap between the classroom and the home, reinforcing lessons and supporting teachers' efforts. This collaboration creates a sense of shared responsibility for student success. A parent like Sam sends a clear and powerful message to their children that their education and extracurricular activities are a priority, which in turn fuels their own motivation and engagement. This support system is a foundational element for a child's academic and personal growth. Sam was also awarded volunteer of the year at last year’s sports banquet.

The impact of an involved parent reaches far beyond the school, touching the very heart of the community. Engaged parents are often the catalyst for community action. They are the ones who volunteer their time, organize events, and advocate for resources that benefit all children. Sam’s dedication and love for the Lexington community have a contagious quality. Her commitment has inspired other parents to step up and become more involved in their children's lives. This collective spirit of support strengthens the community, fostering a sense of shared purpose and a network of care that makes Lexington a better place for everyone.

Even now, as her two daughters, Bella and Zoey, shine on the high school Varsity Basketball team, Sam’s support remains unwavering, balancing her professional life with her children's needs. When I asked her what the best thing about being a parent was, her response was simple yet deeply touching: "I simply see so much of me in each one of them," she said, adding that she "cherishes each and every moment of the time she spends with her children." This profound connection is the source of her energy and dedication.

Isabella and Zoey Henderson pictured in front of Coach Tyrone Terry as Coach Maury Holt gives teammates a play to execute.

The moral of Sam’s story is a powerful reminder for all of us. As parents, our involvement is not a chore but a privilege. We have to stay as involved as we can, because we never know how our presence and support might impact a child's life forever. In every school and every community, there is a child wishing for support—and that support, whether from a parent or a community, has the power to change lives.