Ramona Hooper:  

m a successful person and I have completed all my goals. I just wish my mom (Maggie Hooper Cook)was here to see all my great accomplishments and it all comes from her great success in raising me. Not to leave out all the 2 hour lectures I received from my dad (Thomas Cook). Thanks a lot and I appreciate everything they did for me. To all my family: Thanks for standing by me in my time of need and I love you guys. That means you too Brother. smile A special thanks to Mrs. Sandra Smith for giving me guidance during the times of my life when I didn't know which way to turn. She showed me the way and she is why I am teaching today. Thanks to all..... Ramona Hooper Blackmon Class of 85 Workplace I started out as an assistant teacher in Grenada, Mississippi at Tie Plant Elementary School. Essie Love had faith in me and hired me as an assistant. I worked in the classroom with Sandra Smith and I learned more than you can imagine. After completing college, I started teaching kindergarten at Winona Elementary School in Winona, Ms. This too taught me a lot and I loved the school and the children. I stayed there for 3 years and moved on to Memphis Public School District. I taught 2nd grade there and realized that all the money in the world could not keep me there. Still needing a change and trying to find my place in the world, I moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana and started teaching 6th grade. I was really scared and didn't think I could do it. I have found my place and now I am still here. We started out as Village Woods Middle School and now we are Prince Chapman Academy. I was chosen 2003-2004 "Teacher of the Year" and I was impressed. I love my job and believe it or not, during Christmas Break and spring break, I miss my kids. (smile) Once again, giving honor to God for being the head of my household, he is in the blessing business and I can't ask for any more.