🎉 Union County CEO Class of 2027 had a memorable morning session on Wednesday, August 19, featuring guest speaker Mr. Brett Detering, Superintendent of Anna-Jonesboro Community High School. 🎓

Mr. Detering generously shared his own professional journey — from math teacher, to 17 years as principal, to his current role as superintendent — along with insights from his college career and personal life. Even students who have known him for years came away having learned something new about him.

The morning went well beyond a traditional talk. 🤝 Students took part in a series of team-building activities, including Rock, Paper, Scissors, Never Have I Ever, and a “Get to Know Your Peers” game. Through these exercises, classmates discovered shared interests — from FFA 🌾 and sports 🏀 to playing violin 🎻 — building connections that are already strengthening this year’s cohort.

Among the lessons students carried with them: seek opportunities, support one another, and know that even when life feels heavy, you never have to face it alone. There will always be people in your corner. 💛

📝 Sereniti Mefford, a student from Shawnee CUSD #84, captured it beautifully in her journal reflection:

“Mr. Detering mentioned that you should always put yourself into uncomfortable situations. I took a lot out of this seemingly simple message, because it truly made me recognize how often I gravitate towards comfort. I always hang out with the same people, participate in the same activities, and it even goes as far as the fact that I always eat the same foods. Mr. Detering made me recognize that if you avoid placing yourself into those uncomfortable situations, you will never grow as a person, and you will never learn from experience.”

It’s only the first week, and this class is already building the kind of bond — and the kind of self-reflection — that will carry them through the year ahead. 🌱

Thank you, Mr. Detering, for sharing your time, wisdom, and encouragement with our students! 🙏