Have respect for yourself and others.

It is one of the lessons learned by celebrating Black History Month – and one that Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin reiterated to Upper and Middle school students on Thursday.

Mayor Franklin spoke to students, faculty, staff and guests during a Middle and Upper School assembly in a packed gym. She covered several topics, including the importance of an education and voting in elections. She also encouraged students to volunteer. "Open your eyes to other people's struggles," she says.

Mayor Franklin then graciously fielded questions from students – everything from how she excels in politics, which traditionally has been dominated by men, to what time she wakes up in the morning. "Too early," she said with a smile.

Head of School Kirk Duncan says our school was honored to host such a distinguished leader. "Your words have inspired us as an Episcopal school to continue to meet our goals of justice and service to the world and to respect ourselves and others," he told the mayor.

Mayor Franklin's visit to HIES was the perfect way to end Black History Month, which was full of exciting and educational activities!