Hempstead-raised White House press secretary has grade schoolers dreaming big
Students at Joseph A. McNeil Elementary School in Hempstead said Thursday that they hope to someday follow in the footsteps of one of their alumnae — newly appointed White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
Jean-Pierre walked the halls of what was formerly known as Franklin Elementary School more than 30 years ago when she was a student growing up in Hempstead.
Now, a new generation of students at McNeil, from first to sixth grade, are writing letters to the school’s most famous graduate, thanking her for inspiring them and asking that she someday return for a visit.
Karine Jean-Pierre, the newly appointed White House press secretary who grew up in Hempstead, has inspired students at her former elementary school to dream big. Credit: AFP via Getty Images/Saul Loeb
Students in Brenda Allen’s fifth grade class drafted letters Thursday to Jean-Pierre after learning about her upbringing and new role.
A sign at the front of the classroom read, “Karine Jean-Pierre — We are so proud of you.” Allen quizzed students about what Jean-Pierre’s job included and why she was an important voice for President Joe Biden.
“What name are we going to remember?” she asked “Karine Jean-Pierre!” the students heartily answered.
Scarleth Juarez, 11, who wants to grow up to be an actor or a teacher, said she hopes to meet Jean-Pierre one day.
“I feel like she’s a person many people can be inspired by," Scarleth said. "I think since she was sitting here once in this school and being in this classroom, all of us can make our dreams come true. I feel like if she did it, I can do it too and live up to my dreams.”
Jean-Pierre is the first Black and first openly gay person to serve as White House press secretary. Current press secretary Jen Psaki's last day on the job is Friday.
Jean-Pierre was born to Haitian parents on the Caribbean island of Martinique. Her family eventually moved to Queens Village, before purchasing a home in Hempstead. Jean-Pierre attended Franklin Elementary before transferring to Our Lady of Loretto Catholic School.
A sign in Joseph A. McNeil Elementary School fifth grade teacher Brenda Allen's classroom sums up how her students feel about the White House's next press secretary: “Karine Jean-Pierre — We are so proud of you.” Credit: James Carbone
“The whole school is very proud of Ms. Karine Jean-Pierre. She was a real inspiration for all of us and especially for me to follow my goals and what I want to accomplish,” wrote Daniel Cortorreal Madera, 11, in his letter. “All of the students here are proud and will celebrate her accomplishments.”
Cortorreal Madera said he was excited someone from his school made it to the White House and it served as motivation for him to one day become an actor or singer.
McNeil principal Sandra C. Powell, said she wanted to teach the students about Jean-Pierre’s new role and how other students from predominantly minority communities can ascend to reach their goals.
“I can't imagine a better opportunity than someone connected to school and aspired to their highest position,” Powell said. “It’s really important for our students to have an opportunity to know that someone who works extremely hard who comes from humble beginnings, very similar to our own students’ background, students who are children of immigrants, can and will inspire."
Andrea Ordonez, 11, and Nyomi Mayfield, 10, called Jean-Pierre a "risk taker" for being true to herself and rising to her position.
“Dear Karine Jean-Pierre, I am truly inspired by you and think it’s very brave of you to be an openly gay person in this position, since nowadays there are a lot of people who discredit women of color or people who are part of the LGBT+ community,” Andrea wrote. “I consider you a risk taker and it’s very cool you’re now the White House press secretary and help the president. It inspires people and kids that go to this school to pursue their dreams and no matter what their race is, they should never feel ashamed of it.”
Joseph A. McNeil Elementary School fourth grader Joella Joyce, 10, shows the letter she wrote to newly appointed White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Credit: James Carbone
Fourth grader Joella Joyce, 10, said Jean-Pierre growing up in the same town and walking the same halls as her, proved there is nothing out of reach.
“She came from the same place I was in Hempstead and went to the same school,” Joella said. “No matter where you come from and your background, you can always be successful if you follow your dreams.”
John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.
