Brighter Future: A Tangi Schools Podcast

Tangipahoa Parish School System
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Education
  • Updated Biweekly

Join Superintendent Melissa Stilley as she goes beyond the classroom to highlight students, educators, and leaders making an impact in Tangipahoa Parish. Each episode dives deep into the stories of community leaders—exploring who they are, what shaped their journey, and how they’re inspiring the next generation. Personal, insightful, and inspiring, Brighter Future celebrates the people driving positive change in our schools and community.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Michelle Gallo: A Life Dedicated to Community Impact

    In this episode of Brighter Future, Superintendent Melissa Stilley sits down with Michelle Gallo, a longtime community leader whose passion for helping children and families has made a lasting impact across Tangipahoa Parish. Michelle shares her journey from the food industry to becoming a driving force behind some of the parish’s most meaningful educational and community initiatives. From helping launch the accelerated program at Hammond Eastside, which later grew into the district’s magnet school programs, to creating resources like the Crime Stoppers P3 app, Michelle has spent years connecting people and ideas to better support students. She also discusses the creation of Hope Closets on every school campus, providing students with essentials like food, hygiene products, and uniforms, as well as her leadership in the Get on the Bus campaign, helping supply students with the tools they need to start the school year strong. This episode highlights the power of community partnership and the incredible impact one person can make by simply stepping up and saying, “Let’s do it together.”

    36 min

  2. Jun 16

    Trent Anthony: Understanding School Board Governance

    In this episode of Brighter Future, Superintendent Melissa Stilley sits down with Tangipahoa Parish School Board President Trent Anthony for a conversation about the important role governance plays in public education. Trent provides an inside look at the responsibilities of the school board, including setting policy, approving budgets, establishing district priorities, and working alongside the superintendent to support student success. He explains how board members balance the needs of their individual communities while making decisions that serve the entire school system. The discussion also explores the challenges facing public education, the importance of responsible financial stewardship, and the collaborative relationship between the school board and district leadership. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how governance decisions impact everything from school safety and facilities to academic achievement and long term planning. Whether you are a parent, employee, student, or community member, this episode offers valuable insight into the leadership and decision making that help guide Tangipahoa Parish Schools and create a brighter future for all students.

    35 min

  3. Jun 9

    Nylah Tarver: Taking Risks and Chasing Opportunities

    In this episode of Brighter Future, Superintendent Melissa Stilley sits down with Nylah Tarver, a 2020 graduate of Loranger High School and current student at Southeastern Louisiana University studying television multimedia journalism. Nylah shares her journey from navigating graduation during the pandemic to discovering her passion for storytelling and communication. What began as an interest in sports reporting eventually opened the door to news reporting, community engagement, and an unforgettable opportunity to interview national television icon Robin Roberts. Throughout the conversation, Nylah reflects on the importance of taking risks, embracing mistakes, and remaining open to opportunities even when the path forward is uncertain. She also shares advice for graduating seniors about pursuing their passions, overcoming fear, and trusting that every experience can lead to growth. This episode is an inspiring reminder that sometimes the biggest opportunities come from simply being willing to take the chance.

    30 min

  4. May 6

    Ann Trappey: A Lifetime of Teaching and Impact

    In this episode of Brighter Future, Superintendent Melissa Stilley sits down with Mrs. Ann Trappey, a longtime educator whose impact has reached generations of students across Tangipahoa Parish. Ann shares her journey into education, including a challenging first year that nearly led her to walk away, and how that experience shaped her into the teacher she became. Over the course of her career, she taught in multiple school systems, spent more than 20 years at Kentwood High, and continues to support teachers at the district level. She reflects on the importance of storytelling in the classroom, why social studies matters, and what she calls “teacher pay”—the lasting impact educators see through the lives of their students. This episode is a powerful look at the heart of teaching and the difference one educator can make over a lifetime.

    41 min

  5. Apr 14

    Reach University: From Paraprofessional to Teacher

    In this episode of Brighter Future, Superintendent Melissa Stilley sits down with Sharon Spring to discuss how the Reach University partnership is creating a new pathway for aspiring educators in Tangipahoa Parish. Through this program, paraprofessionals have the opportunity to earn a four year degree while continuing to work full time, gaining real classroom experience, contributing to retirement, and doing it all at an affordable cost. As the need for certified teachers continues to grow, programs like Reach are opening doors and providing real solutions for our schools. You will also hear from Nikki Varnado, a Reach graduate and New Teacher of the Year, as she shares her journey from paraprofessional to teacher. Her story is a powerful example of what is possible when opportunity meets determination and support. This episode highlights how Tangipahoa Parish is investing in its people, strengthening classrooms, and creating meaningful pathways for those who feel called to teach.

    32 min

  6. Mar 24

    Ashton Lee: From Tangipahoa to Washington University

    In this episode of Brighter Future: A Tangi Schools Podcast, Superintendent Melissa Stilley sits down with Ashton Lee, a proud Tangipahoa Parish graduate whose journey has taken him from Loranger Elementary and Loranger Middle to the IB program at Hammond High, and now to Washington University in St. Louis on a full scholarship. Ashton shares how growing up in Tangipahoa helped shape his goals, how the IB program expanded his perspective, and what it was like navigating high school during both COVID 19 and Hurricane Ida. He reflects on getting involved at a young age, including serving on Superintendent Stilley’s original transition team as an eighth grader and speaking at the district’s first back to school rally. Now double majoring in Political Science and Educational Studies, Ashton is continuing his passion for service through civic engagement. He played a key role in helping launch a Youth Advisory Council in Tangipahoa Parish, creating opportunities for student voices to be heard at both the district and school levels. This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership does not come from a title. It comes from a willingness to serve, speak up, and take action. Ashton’s story is one that will inspire students, educators, and our entire community to believe in the impact of youth voice and the future it can shape.

    24 min

  7. Mar 6

    Teach Tangi: Investing in the Teachers of Tomorrow

    In this episode of Brighter Future, Superintendent Melissa Stilley sits down to talk about Teach Tangi, an initiative designed to help passionate individuals become certified teachers and serve students right here in Tangipahoa Parish. Joining the conversation is Sharon Spring, a former high school math teacher and administrator who now leads teacher certification and the Teach Tangi program for the district. Sharon shares how the program works, why it was created, and how it is helping schools grow and support the next generation of educators. Also joining the discussion is Tracie Booth, a teacher at Hammond Eastside Lower who successfully completed the Teach Tangi program. Tracie shares her personal journey into education and what the program meant for her as she stepped into the classroom. Together, they explore how Teach Tangi is helping Tangipahoa Parish invest in its future by creating opportunities for aspiring teachers and strengthening schools across the district. Tune in to hear how programs like Teach Tangi are helping shape a brighter future for students, educators, and our entire community.

    32 min

  8. 12/03/2025

    Dr. Caminita: Championing Growth at Ponchatoula High School

    In this episode of Brighter Future, we sit down with Dr. Anna Faye Caminita, Principal of Ponchatoula High School and Louisiana’s High School Principal of the Year, honored at the Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala. Dr. Caminita shares the leadership strategies, school culture improvements, and student-centered initiatives that have helped Ponchatoula High achieve remarkable growth and success. From academic accountability to building strong community partnerships, her passion for students is clear, consistent, and inspiring. Join us for an uplifting conversation that highlights what it means to lead with vision, heart, and unwavering commitment to every child’s future here in Tangipahoa Parish.

    31 min

  9. 11/04/2025

    Gerald Sticker: Leading Tangipahoa Toward a Brighter Tomorrow

    In this episode of Brighter Future, we sit down with Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker for an inspiring conversation about leadership, service, and community. From his early beginnings in Ponchatoula to his career in law enforcement and the U.S. Marine Corps, Sheriff Sticker shares how his life experiences have shaped his approach to protecting and serving Tangipahoa Parish. Tune in as he shares his vision for a safer, stronger community and what leadership truly means in today’s world.

    30 min

  10. 10/06/2025

    Eva Delatte: A Brighter Future Through Performing Arts

    In this episode of Brighter Future, Melissa Stilley sits down with Eva Delatte, Miss Southeastern Louisiana University, and the new Ambassador for Performing Arts in the Tangipahoa Parish School System. A proud graduate of Hammond High’s IB program, Eva shares her journey from the classroom to the stage—and how her DREAM Initiative is empowering students to discover their own creativity and purpose through the arts. Join us for an inspiring conversation about confidence, community, and the power of following your dreams.

    41 min

  11. 09/22/2025

    Melissa Stilley: Leadership, Life, and Legacy

    In our premiere episode of Brighter Future, Superintendent Melissa Stilley takes the hot seat! We dive deep into her story—exploring her childhood, the challenges and triumphs that shaped her, her journey through college, and the path that led her to become the superintendent of Tangipahoa Parish School System. Join us for a candid, personal, and inspiring conversation that gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the experiences and values that drive one of our community’s most influential leaders.

    51 min
  • 11 Episodes

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About

Join Superintendent Melissa Stilley as she goes beyond the classroom to highlight students, educators, and leaders making an impact in Tangipahoa Parish. Each episode dives deep into the stories of community leaders—exploring who they are, what shaped their journey, and how they’re inspiring the next generation. Personal, insightful, and inspiring, Brighter Future celebrates the people driving positive change in our schools and community.

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