Education is not a profession, but a seven-day-a-week passion for those who devote themselves to the cause.
That teamwork, which includes contributions from business and industry, was celebrated Thursday at the Pathway to Success Luncheon put on by the Port Arthur Education Foundation and Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce.
The event, held in front of more than 200 people on campus at Lamar State College Port Arthur, culminated with an acknowledgement of the Foundation raising $180,000 between 2024 and 2025 for reinvestment back into local education.
Students from the Port Arthur Independent School District and college mingled with industry representatives, education department leads and community leaders to launch networks for future opportunities.
A roundtable discussion also offered insight for students looking to maximize the opportunities.
PAISD Superintendent Dr. Mark Porterie delivered the luncheon’s most passionate moment when expanding on what he thought was the greatest challenge facing today’s teacher — uncertainty over the future of education.
“In the past, we had parents who were on our side, who wanted their children to succeed at the school and the home,” Porterie said. “Now, it is a lot different. We have to fight to teach children. We have to fight the system.”
The former Region 5 Superintendent of the Year made sure to point out to attendees that teachers face challenges before beginning the day’s lesson plan, noting many students don’t come to school ready to learn.
“They had to get up that morning and take care of their siblings, wondering where their parents are and who is going to be home in the afternoon to pick them up,” he said. “Some of them had a hard night. Then, when they come to school, we expect them to be ready to learn algebra and prepositional phrases.
“Some people don’t understand that. They want you to pass that STAR test, pass that EOC test. It doesn’t matter that a child has not eaten since he left us the day before. All that matters is the numbers, and that is what they hold us accountable for. But we’re dealing with children, their lives, their heart beats and emotions. It’s difficult. It appears the higher ups don’t understand that. We fight every day for our children because we want to. And sometimes we have to fight the home to teach the children. And that is every day.”
Persevere & Excel
Lamar State College Port Arthur President Dr. Betty Reynard stressed the options afforded at 2-year colleges, which include numerous associate degrees and professional certificates. These benchmarks put young students into the workforce faster and with the potential to earn significantly more than some of their four-year graduate counterparts.
Reynard said the people she works with keep her motivated, along with the pursuit of good goals.
Cheniere Energy Community Affairs Manager Amy Miller wants young people to start setting boundaries for the people they surround themselves with.
“There are many people who love you and want to see you succeed in any way, but unfortunately there are toxic individuals that we love,” she said. “It takes years of pain and disappointment if you do not set boundaries with toxic individuals who will get in the way of your goals.”
Bayou Bend Corporate Affairs Manager Sharita Gardner stressed the importance of showing up every day consistently as your best self.
According to Gardner, that presence builds relationships and reputation within a community and allows one’s network to benefit their net worth.
SETEX Construction Owner Nathan Rivers shared that he waisted too much time in school looking at the obstacles in front of him instead of trying to talk to people who could help him through those situations and give good advice.
“I was in my 20s before I realized people really do want to help you,” he said. “If you reach out to them and make a connection, they will give you the time.”
