Mary G. Hogsett Primary School's assistant principal, Jerrica Funkhouser, is also a 2006 graduate of Danville High School.

She has three children attending the Danville Schools: Addi at DHS, Brody at Edna L. Toliver Intermediate School, and Collier at Hogsett. Her husband, Ryan, is also a DHS graduate, class of 2005. 

"Honestly, I didn't know that I was ready to be an assistant principal, but I know that Danville Schools had prepared me well," she said. "I was where I wanted to be at Hogsett Primary in particular, so I took a chance and am so glad I have." 

She said that Principal Pamela Hambrick "has been such a great friend and mentor," and has helped her build capacity for her roles as assistant principal and preschool director.  

"I am still learning and thrilled to serve alongside the amazing staff at Hogsett," she said.

 

She added that she loves all things sports and can often be found at Danville Independent Schools events cheering on the Admirals and Bulldogs.

"I am also a big Kentucky Wildcats and Dallas Cowboys fan," she said. 

She shared her Danville Schools journey and how it shaped who she is now.

Tell us about your Danville Schools journey. What school(s) did you attend, and what’s a highlight that stands out to you?

I attended Toliver, Bate Middle School and DHS. I think the biggest highlight for me was learning as a peer mentor at the high school that I wanted to work with kids and be a part of a diverse learning community.

What aspects of your Danville Schools education helped mold you into the person you are today?

Relationships are the biggest piece that I think molded me into who I am, thanks to the DISD. Many teachers have shown me how important relationships are, from Julie Dexter sending me postcards to still being in touch with Bobby Trumbo. I strive to build relationships that help students know that they matter and they have a place in the world and someone in me that will always cheer for them, now and in the future.

As a product of Danville Schools, what advice would you give to a parent who was choosing an education path for their child?

If you want your child to be accepted and valued as well as held to a high standard, regardless of their abilities, skin color, and religion, Danville Schools is the absolute best place for them.

As a product of Danville Schools, what drives you to give back to your local school and/or district?

I want to make a difference in as many lives as I can during my time in the Danville Schools.

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This piece is part of an ongoing series telling the stories of our Danville Alumni! We share a new alumni story once a month, and we want YOUR story. If you or someone you know is a Danville graduate and an excellent representative of the Danville community and the idea of #SuccessForALL, whether they live in Danville or not, please fill out the form linked below. You can also show your Danville Alumni pride on social media with the hashtag #DanvilleAlumniStories

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