Building Stronger Communities Together

We're committed to helping your community fully engage in the opportunities that come with real high-speed internet. That’s why we created HighlineCares, a program that helps raise funds to enable everyone to participate in these opportunities.

Ashley Silva has been an Exceptional Student Services teacher in the Life Skills Program for more than 13 years. She also coaches Unified Bowling and Basketball. She is currently running a Spread the Word campaign to promote inclusivity. She loves attending music concerts and traveling in her spare time. Her favorite part of teaching is seeing students progress. Pueblo West High School is fortunate to have Ms. Silva on our staff and we appreciate her dedication very much. 

This month in Delta County, we have an extra SPECIAL teacher to announce! Our #TeacherOfTheMonth winner is Jeff Roman from the DISD Learning Center! 🍎

Mr. Jeff, as he is known by students, didn’t take the traditional path to become a teacher. In 2003, he had a guidance counselor suggest that he take a different path other than his then passion of Art and Design Educator, sure, he thought the counselor was wrong. Maybe his counselor knew something he didn’t. He went into computers, worked in a group home and that’s when he decided to go into psychology. Jeff said, “If I would not have worked at a group home, I would not have stayed in the mental health field.” Jeff’s work in the mental health industry helped lead him down the path to the most rewarding career as a teacher at The Learning Center. He worked in the mental health industry for 11 years with Pathways. He spent 6 years in HR when one of his colleague’s told him there was a teaching position open. Teaching gave him the opportunity to work with students again. He enjoys working with the students to give them a better life.

Two years later and Jeff is now enrolled in Michigan’s teaching certification-alternative certification program to earn his teaching certificate. This program allows him to work and take classes that he needs to earn his teaching certificate. He assists other adults in obtaining their teaching certificates as well. Jeff remains on call with Pathways and older students still check in with him today.

Jeff grew up in Brampton and couldn’t see himself living anywhere but the U.P. He and his wife of 11 years are raising 1 son and twin daughters. His wife encouraged him to take the teaching position even though it meant a pay cut and maybe a few sacrifices along the way. She too knew he was destined to help others and make their voices heard. He said his kids are amazingly good kids that love that he’s a teacher. It shows when they receive letters home from their teachers saying how well they treat everyone, especially the children with disabilities.

We asked Jeff if there’s anything he would like to tell people about teaching and or the mental health field, “Teaching at the Learning Center and working in mental health, there is nothing more rewarding! We have a lot of art mixed with teaching. I’d like to encourage people to go into the mental health field, pursue your passions. Work in a group home, over at Pathways, or in a school, become a guidance counselor. They all teach good life lessons. I’m thankful every day to have the opportunity to be here! I’d also like to send out a special thank you to my parents, brothers, sister and mother and father In-law for being a great support system along the way, they are all the ultimate reason my wife and I want to stay in the U.P.”.

After our interview, we ended in Jeff’s classroom where his students were playing a game of Bingo. We took a few photos and Mr. Jeff showed his award to his kids. One of his students jumped for joy and smiled the largest most genuine smile I’ve seen in a long, long time. You can’t help but smile when you walk out the door on a good day.

Mr. Jeff you’re an inspiration! The world needs more people like you!

So, this month, please tell a teacher “Thank you”—and please tell Jeff Roman THANK YOU, for all he has done to help his students.

We are pleased to announce our newest Teacher of the Month -Taylor King! Born and raised in Upson County, Taylor is actually a teacher to be and has been a paraprofessional at Upson Lee Primary School for the past three years. Taylor also is the assistant coach of Upson Lee High School's golf team. She loves when students have a "light bulb moment" and are finally able to grasp goals they have been working towards. Taylor decided to become a teacher in hopes of creating a safe and exciting environment for students to learn and grow in. Taylor will graduate next May from Gordon State College with her degree in early childhood education. In her free time, Taylor can be found cheering on the Braves, reading or spending time with friends and family. Thank you, Taylor, for loving and investing in your students. We will continue our teacher of the month program in August. Have a safe and happy summer, everyone!

Brandi Miller is an exceptional kindergarten special education teacher, known for her unwavering patience and dedication to her students. Brandi has been teaching for 15 years--5 in Kirbyville and 10 years here at Silsbee ISD. She goes above and beyond to ensure that each child in her class feels supported and valued. Mrs. Miller takes the time to build strong relationships with every student, understanding their individual needs and learning styles. Her warm and compassionate approach creates a safe and nurturing environment where her students can thrive. A true team player, Mrs. Miller collaborates closely with other teachers, specialists, and parents to provide the best possible support for her students. Her positive attitude is contagious, brightening the classroom and inspiring her students to believe in themselves. With Mrs. Miller's guidance, her students not only make academic progress but also develop confidence and a love for learning that will stay with them for years to come.

Our first responders should be recognized for their dedication and commitment to public safety in our communities. Highline invites you to nominate someone you feel deserves to be recognized as a First Responder of the Month. Winning nominees will receive a gift card.

It is our pleasure to introduce Ginger Edmondson as our Unsung Hero of the Month for June! Ginger has been a labor and delivery nurse at Upson Regional Medical Center for 30 years. At URMC, Ginger won the "Daisy Award," an award given to nurses exhibiting extraordinary patient care. A former patient described Ginger as the most amazing nurse she ever had. "She made us feel welcomed and important but also safe and comfortable when I was nervous about my pregnancy." Ginger is also a dedicated mom of two and is expecting her first grandchild soon. Her daughter, Laney, nominated her to be our Unsung Hero of the Month. Laney shared that Ginger often works 7 pm to 7 am on Saturday nights and goes directly from the hospital to church to play the piano and teach Bible lessons to the children. After church, she stays to clean and tidy up for the upcoming week because she also teaches at the church's preschool Monday through Thursday! "If you have done the math, my mom basically runs on three hours of sleep per day," Laney said. "She fears the Lord and expresses herself with meekness while also managing to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. She is a true UNSUNG HERO, and I hope to become a fraction of the woman she is." Thank you, Ginger, for going above and beyond for your patients and community! 👩🏼‍⚕️💙🏥

Dr. Adam Ingrao of Bee Wise Farms explains exactly what high-speed internet means to his life, his home, and his work in this short but powerful video.