Investing in Our Community’s Future: The Pearl River School District

Over the past several years we have all witnessed a decline in the economy of the United States, which has affected all of us in one way or another. However, as history indicates, these sorts of fluctuations are natural, and as the economy continues to rebound slowly, one thing is certain --  it will rebound. And whether it recovers tomorrow or in a year, I firmly believe we most continue to invest in our community’s true beacon of hope -- our education system, the Pearl River School District. For the key to a ensuring a prosperous community here in Pearl River, one that can endure either a recessive or prosperous economy, rests in us aptly preparing our youth at the K-12 level to succeed at the post-secondary level of education and beyond.

We are blessed and fortunate to have an award-winning school district in Pearl River; one in which 96% of its graduates consistently continue on to some form of post-secondary education. By achieving a quality education, one not only receives a degree, but also the intangibles that are associated with one, both of which prove invaluable throughout life.

 As many of you know the Pearl River School District’s motto is, “Believe You Can Achieve.” Despite budgetary issues stemming from the economy, this message continues to resonate to the students, and equally as important, to the faculty, staff, administrators, and students families who are committed to the success of their students and children.

Three years have passed since I graduated from Pearl River High School in 2008. Upon my graduation, I became the fifth child in my family to graduate from the district, and I look forward to the day when my two younger siblings will have their graduation. Yes, I am one of seven children.  

The real message since graduating, which has become more and more apparent to me, is that regardless of age, we all have a stake in the continued success of the youth of this great town. I want to see my two younger siblings enjoy the same opportunities I experienced. For me, this means maximizing the resources available to the Pearl River School District so that its students are best placed in a position to develop and achieve measureable success in life.

 That is why I recently established the Mark Svensson Scholarship for Student Leaders at PRHS -- to continue my support of the youth of Pearl River as best I can. Whether it is through a financial donation via scholarship, or simply showing up to support Pearl River’s sports teams and clubs at games and events, we all possess the ability to make a measureable impact on the lives of others.

The Pearl River School District, through our youth, provides the fuel that keeps our great community running.  It is imperative that we all continue to support this beacon of hope so that its motto “Believe You Can Achieve” may continue to resonate fully.