POPMentality Behind Every Image

Never forgetting where he comes from, this is a photo that symbolizes the struggles of growing up poor.  PERSEVERING through difficult times at home and having to eat foods that were high in sodium, Ryan got the majority of his nutrition from free school lunch.  However, there were times he was grateful for a pack of "oodles of noodles" because that was all he had.  

In 2009, I was selected by Mr. Wade Whitehead's Teacher of Promise Institute, now the Teachers of Promise Foundation as one of the top future educators in Virginia.   At this moment, I knew serving students was my PURPOSE in life.

Perseverance + Opportunity + Purpose = Success. The Birth of #MakeItPOP #POPMentality November 7th, 2019: Milken Educator Award Recipient 

During the COVID Pandemic, when schools were closed, I was invited to speak on the Honorable U.S. Congressman A. Donald McEACHIN At-Home Education Panel.  I took this OPPORTUNITY to provide advice on activities that parents can do at home during virtual learning.  

From Left to Right:

Ryan Sykes: 2019 Virginia Milken Educator

Wade Whitehead:  2000 Milken Educator & TOP Foundation Founder

Anthony Swann:  2021 Virginia Teacher of the Year

Dr. Ryan Sykes instructing teachers new to the profession on developing Student Learning Targets (SLT).

From left to right: Dr. Matthew Woods, Dr. Ryan Sykes, Mr. Wade Whitehead, Dr. Shameka Gerald, and Mr. Anthony Swann