Anthony Johnson, a recent graduate of Meridian, has returned to the school as a teacher’s aide in the kindergarten classroom. At just 19 years old, Anthony is exploring his dreams and learning valuable lessons about education, community, and his own future. His story exemplifies the unity and supportive environment that make Meridian a unique place to learn and grow.

Anthony’s connection to Meridian runs deep. He attended the district from Pre-K through high school and graduated in May 2024. Shortly afterward, he accepted a position as a teacher’s aide in Ms. Kutac’s kindergarten classroom. “I thought I wanted to be a teacher,” Anthony admits. “But working here has made me rethink that.”

Despite realizing that teaching might not be his long-term path, Anthony values the opportunity to give back to the community that shaped him. “I feel like my role here is important,” he says. “When a student has an outburst, I’m there to help maintain order so the rest of the class can keep learning.”

Anthony affectionately refers to his role as “chaos control,” a term that reflects both the challenges and the rewards of working with young children. He recognizes the importance of his presence in the classroom, providing much-needed support to teachers who often juggle multiple responsibilities.

Anthony’s time as a teacher’s aide has been both eye-opening and transformative. He describes the job as stressful at times, citing the demands of managing behavior and ensuring that every child gets the attention they need. “It’s not just about teaching—it’s about emotional regulation, too,” he explains.

He credits Ms. Kutac as a role model, admiring her patience and compassion. “I’ve seen students tear up the classroom, breaking things and throwing fits. And yet, when they come back, she greets them with love and understanding,” he says. “That kind of kindness takes a lot of strength.”

While Anthony initially envisioned a future in teaching, his experience has inspired him to explore other possibilities. “Teaching is not my path anymore,” he shares candidly. “It’s stressful, and the pay doesn’t match the challenges teachers face.”

Anthony is now considering careers in the trades, such as becoming an electrician or a truck driver. “I’ve always thought about truck driving,” he says. “It’s a job with good pay, and it’s something I could start after saving up for training.”

One of the things Anthony values most about Meridian is its sense of unity. He recalls how colleagues offered advice and mentorship when he first started his position. “People here really care,” he says. “They give you tips and help you succeed, whether it’s managing a class or navigating your first job.”

Anthony has also witnessed the collaborative spirit among teachers. He describes how staff members share lesson plans, coordinate activities, and create opportunities for students to connect. For example, on Fridays, kindergarten and third-grade classes sometimes merge for special playtime as a reward for good behavior.

“It’s little things like that that show how unified we are,” Anthony reflects. “Everyone works together to make this a great place for kids to learn and grow.”

As someone who has spent his entire educational journey within Meridian, Anthony is grateful for the lessons he’s learned along the way. He highlights one piece of advice that has stuck with him: “You don’t have to have everything figured out right now,” he says.

This wisdom, shared by teachers and staff, has helped Anthony navigate the uncertainty of early adulthood. “They told me it’s okay not to know what I want to do yet,” he explains. “That took a lot of pressure off and allowed me to focus on what’s important right now.”

While Anthony’s career aspirations may have shifted, his commitment to personal growth and service remains steadfast. Whether he’s guiding kindergarteners through their first year of school or planning his next steps, Anthony is driven by a desire to make a positive impact.