Saying Our Goodbyes

Mohammed Azeez,

Pebblebrook High School

 

A leader can be found anywhere, but one must learn to follow before they can lead.

Ms. Zinta Perkins came to Pebblebrook in 2009 with a vision to change the reputation of the school. Ms. Perkins worked in the Cobb county district for over 35 years. She did not start out as a principal; she was actually an art teacher.

 

 Ms. Perkins started her career at Wills High School as the first African American teacher to be hired at the school. Her father and her grandfather were also principals; so leading was in her blood. Mrs. Perkins was able to lead for the first time at Campbell High School.

 

Ms. Perkins coming to Pebblebrook was a surprising motion, due to the teachers only being notified of the change a week before her arrival. There were clear changes and improvements Ms. Perkin’s vision had brought. Some might say that there is a unification of Pebblebrook due to Ms. Perkins; there was a distinction in students as of who were part of the magnet program and those who were not. But now in 2015 there are a more cohesive all through out, due to the lack of behavior problems and inappropriate activities. There are obvious consequences for such actions and now are more consistent. Not only that but student population has increased, and it feels like more of community at Pebblebrook.

 

Ms. Perkins brought not only professionalism to her job ethic, but she was passionate of her work and going beyond the call of duty. She raised teacher moral and listened to each and everyone. One would expect a principal to be stuck behind a desk all day signing papers. But Mrs. Perkins interacts with almost every student; she goes into classes and talks with students and teachers. She is truly what a leader is. As a senior myself, I am glad that I spent my four years here and ecstatic to shake Ms. Perkins hand when I receive my diploma. My experience and the experience of every senior would not be the same without Mrs. Perkins leadership. Without Ms. Perkins most teachers would not have a job or receive the opportunity to teach.“ Ms. Perkins is the only principal is the only principal; I’ve ever worked for. I appreciate her attention to detail and ability to lead such a large staff, She has truly been a guiding force for the school and will be missed” exclaimed Lauren Forbes. Mrs. Forbes and other teachers are glad to have Ms. Perkins as their boss.

 

Every year, every senior wonders what legacy they had left behind at Pebblebrook, Ms. Perkins left her legacy in all those young scholars that graduated in her leadership. The amount of Professionalism and respect that Ms. Perkins has brought to Pebblebrook and it’s teacher is unimaginable. After each year Ms. Perkins raised the bar, and I hope that faculty of Pebblebrook and the next Principal raise the bar of the esteem, and achievements of this school as Ms. Perkins has done.