It was an honor to host Ms. Ela Weissberger, a Holocaust survivor, in Huntsville for a speaking engagement and reception today. 

It was an honor to be selected by Teach for America to speak with Johnson High School students about economic development, civic engagement, and leadership today. ​

Huntsville Times Article by Paul Huggins:

​Nicole Jones, president of Nicole Jones Development, on Monday will speak with students about how they can become more involved in the community.

Jones will speak at Johnson High School at 11 a.m., as part of Teach for America's Alabama Spotlight on Education Month.

Jones will cite recent events that involved student participation as well as upcoming events in which teen volunteers are much-welcomed and appreciated. A lucky student also will receive a scholarship for his or her entry in the upcoming Huntsville Inner City Learning Center's Give it Back Track 5K on May 3.

"To help Huntsville keep its positive reputation as being an inviting community, it is important that all citizens participate in the economic development process. I am honored to have been selected by Teach for America for this opportunity and hope that students at Johnson will recognize that residents of all ages, races, and income levels can unite together to improve our quality of life," Jones said.

Teach For America chose Jones because she has demonstrated how to be a productive member of society through professional, civic and philanthropic organizations as a spokesperson, board member and corporate sponsor.

Since its launch in 1997, Teach For America has enlisted hundreds of our nation's most notable individuals to share their knowledge and personal insights with thousands of students. Former guest teachers include Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker III, and Oprah Winfrey.
Dr. Casey Wardynski, Huntsville City Schools superintendent, spoke highly of Teach For America's positive impact on troubled schools.

"With the help and leadership of Teach For America, students at Westlawn Middle School, historically a low performing school, showed higher growth in STAR test scores than students at any other district," he said. "This is what is possible when students from low-income areas are given the opportunity to excel."