From Crops to Counselling: Building Bridges For Brighter Futures (Part 2 of 2)
In this second part of a two-part episode, Mr. Jack Wright bears his corazon and details how his counseling success began with respect for students and their families. Jack tells of his students, many who are educators, professionals, elected and appointed public servants as well as highly recognized individuals. Jack explains the vision that established the Franklin Educational Foundation’s and what he sees for its future.
As a leader and mentor, Jack built bridges with his colleagues at LAUSD and at the Western Association of College Admission Counselors, to influence opportunities and support students with promise.
Regardless of race, ethnicity, class, or immigrant status, Mr. Wright helped open doors for students who otherwise would not have had the chance. He reminds us of the importance of the values like hard work, honesty, fortitude and working for what you deserve, while having compassion for the less fortunate. Years later his former students have expressed their appreciation for his guidance in the form of heartfelt thank you letters and significant financial support for the Franklin Educational Foundation. After hearing this episode, Jack might as well be known as “Mr. Wright: High School Counselor of the Universe.”
Be sure to listen to Part 1, where we meet Jack as a young Kansas farm boy and learn of his difficult journey, losing his parents at a young age, having a counselor who encouraged him onto college and deciding to teach and counsel in Los Angeles. It was then, in 1960, that this aspiring teacher and counselor was forged by the social equity issues of the day to develop his passion for counseling and to serve a diverse student population with respect.
Sin Cuenta has commissioned a Loteria inspired card depicting Mr. Wright, supporting the iconic Franklin High School bridge, titled “El Bridge Builder.” Resident Artist, Aaron Silva delivers an image that evokes Mr Wright’s days of building bridges in Kansas and memorializes his work to support former, current and future Franklin Panthers.
We hope you enjoy this episode. Esperamos que este sea de su agrado.
