Summer 2025 is officially here! School is out and both students and school staff are excited for a break and some fun in the sun!  

Last Thursday afternoon, shouts of joy erupted from students at Head Middle Magnet School when the final bell of the school year rang out. Rushing through the hallways, students high fived and hugged one another, celebrating the end of the school year and the beginning of summer. As soon as the last student headed out, school staff filled the library, excited for a celebratory luncheon generously provided by The Church at Mount Carmel.

Pastor Derrick Strode worked with his church to provide Publix fried chicken, along with homemade sides for around seventy school staff members. United4Hope team members Jenny Runyon, Katie Jackson, and Mike Hidalgo were honored to join in the celebration and help serve food to staff members. The Church at Mount Carmel kicked off their new partnership at Head Middle Magnet with this beautiful gesture of staff encouragement and is looking forward to strengthening this relationship in the coming year! 

Pictured from left to right: The Church at Mount Carmel volunteer Sha, United4Hope program managers Jenny Runyon, Katie Jackson, and Mike Hidalgo, and The Church at Mount Carmel Pastor Derrick Strode 

Pastor Derrick Strode and Head Middle Magnet School STARS counselor Erin Lennon 

Assistant Principal Kathleen Bell celebrates the close of a great year with school staff 

Head Middle Magnet School staff enjoy lunch together