Meeks Pigott 74 • SEPTEMBER 2022
Soaring to New Heights Mistie Desper The Velma Jackson Falcons are soaring to new heights for their students not only academically, but athletically as well. Greg Pigott is entering his 8th year of teaching at Velma Jackson. There, he has had outstanding accomplishments in teaching personal finance, computer science, entrepreneurship, engineering, business law, and college/career readiness. Helping his students acquire the tools needed for their time beyond his classroom has become a passion for him. “My goal for my students is that they learn to become a critical member of society. They are the next leaders of our communities,” said Greg. He has brought a lengthy and impressive list of speakers into the classroom in person and via virtual platforms. From financial experts, local business owners, engineering professionals to former students, military personnel, and university recruiters, he is offering his students a wide variety of knowledge. By offering many speakers virtually, Greg has been able to span the globe with speakers from places such as California, New York, Texas, and as far away as the Caribbean. Providing over 140 guest speakers to date, he is helping other students in the district by recording the presentations for his self-titled YouTube channel. Greg said, “I want my students to be able to realize what they love and what they can truly accomplish. I choose speakers that can inspire them and help them realize that there are so many ways to be successful and not just one way is for everyone.” By choosing speakers from all backgrounds and with a variety of methods that led to their success, Greg is equipping his students with a confidence and motivation that they can blaze their way into whatever life they can imagine for themselves. He concluded, “It’s important to me that they understand that the skills they have are valuable and needed within our communities. I want them to unlock a passion for their future.” 15-year Velma Jackson Coach Casey Meeks III is taking his athletes to new heights each year. Coaching boys’ and girls’ powerlifting as well as football, Coach Meeks is motivating and equipping a generation of athletes to find success on and off the field. “Winning is great but what brings me the most joy is when they come in under me, believe in the program, work hard, and see that hard work pay off. I always tell them that it isn’t about me. They put in the work,” said Coach Meeks. The work ethic instilled in his athletes goes from the classroom to the locker room and beyond. “No matter what path they take in life, college or sports or career, the most important thing is to become a productive citizen in life,” said Coach Meeks. Coach Meeks has had an impressive winning streak by leading his boys’ powerlifting team to win the 2022 MHSAA Class 2A Boys’ Powerlifting Championship. More than half of this winning team was new to the program last year. His girls’ powerlifting team won back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015. Coach Meeks hopes to bring that victory back to his girls’ team this coming year. “We push them to their limits in sports. That also translates to the classroom. I tell them if they can be successful and do what needs be done in class, they can be successful anywhere. The greatest thing about coaching is seeing the smiles and joy and happiness when their hard work pays off in the end for them,” concluded Coach Meeks. His athletes are already working hard in class and in training for their upcoming season. He plans to “keep it rolling” and keep his teams in their top contender positions. Velma Jackson High School strives to provide the best educational experience for its students. They are excelling in meeting their students’ needs to prepare them for life beyond their doors and giving their students the tools needed to be successful in their future endeavors of college and/or career and through valuable life skills learned through their athletic program. Hometown MADISON • 75