Community Corner

Meet Susan Hairston: Keeper of the Dream Award Winner

Hairston is a former Board of Education member and president.

Susan Hairston was the third Keeper of the Dream Award winner at Monday's 12th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.

Hairston, an active community volunteer with a passion for both youth and education, is a former Board of Education member and president.

She also co-founded the Summit African American Action Association which is a parent advocacy group that focuses on efforts on parent involvement in eliminating the achievement gap.

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In addition to her work surrounding the schools, Hairston is also an active member of the Fountain Baptist Church, the Summit YMCA Achiever's program, the Summit PEP Foundation and the Summit Civil Rights Commission.

"I think Summit is a community that really is special," Hairston said, noting that city city has the infrastructure that allows people to give back to their community. "I don't take that lightly."

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Hairston, who has two daughters–Simone and Erika–with her husband Jerome, thinks community service is an essential part of every day life and says her belief is a result of a childhood where adults reached out to her.

Hairston also said she thinks its very important that Summit takes the time out to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. day with service events.

"Kids can be a little removed from MLK's time," she said. "This reminds them and ourselves what work we still need to do."


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