Profiles in Greatness: Mr.Jefferson

Corner stone of the Lafayette community

photo by Zack Tayman
Zack Tayman
Mr.Jefferson mentoring a student in need

Loved by many, popular among colleagues, boosting a colorful background…Who?  Who else:  Mr. Jefferson!   Jefferson is well known for his profound impact on not only our school, but in our community as well. I got to sit down with him and learn about his background as well as his successful journey becoming who he is known as today at Lafayette.  He himself was as a student at Lafayette, which he loved. He has attended his reunions and stayed in touch with many friends. His high school years were “very rewarding and fun,’’ he says.  As an adult Jefferson came into WJCC as an ISS coordinator, but that is not the only job he’s had. He has also been a behavior specialist and a student advancement coach. Jefferson proudly states, “My job here at Lafayette is to make kids graduate. I think it’s very important, it’s the start of their lives. A solid foundation for a good education.’

When asked what he feels he has achieved at Lafayette, he answered, “I think when we look at the graduation rate when I first came in, and it was at and 86 percent, and now it’s a 98 percent. I think we’ve done a great job of helping our kids graduate here. I think my job is not only to support the kids but to support the teachers and together, collectively, we have created an environment of education where kids can not only learn but they can also grow.” He is very proud of the great achievements made at Lafayette over the years.

I pondered who Mr. Jefferson looks up to in life, He explained: “My mother. She has been the driving force of my life.’’  He states that the reason he was able to see so far ahead is because he has been able to stand on the shoulders of this great woman he gets to call “mom”. He told me this with a smile on his face.  It was clear that he is so grateful for r the life he lives and who gave it to him.

All in all, Mr. Jefferson has made a huge impact on the minds and hearts of many and will continue to do so. He states, “My door is always open.” His generous and uplifting personality has changed Lafayette High School in ways kids will always be thankful for.