At its commencement ceremony Thursday night, Shepard High School honored a Southland superintendent with the institution’s top alumni award.
Anthony Edison, superintendent for Posen-Robbins School District 143 1/2, received Shepard’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
“I am honored to be selected for this year’s award,” said Edison, now of Olympia Fields, during his acceptance speech before about 460 graduating seniors. “It is thrilling to have the opportunity to return to Shepard High School.”
Edison, who attended Nathan Hale elementary school in Crestwood, graduated in 1983 from Shepard, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Palos Heights.
The forrner Robbins resident recalled being very active as a Shepard student. He was a member of the band and the school’s orchestra. He also played football and basketball and acted in school plays.
“My time at Shepard motivated me to focus on success and being successful by following a career path,” said Edison, 51. “I really did not know at the time what that was, however, I always knew that I wanted to be successful.”
Shepard staff encouraged Edison to continue with his education, he said.
More Top Picks Best Drafting Tables For Artists
“Success is best learned early on,” Edison said. “My advice for current Shepard students is that high school is just the beginning. Your high school career is not the only measuring ground for your future success. Many opportunities far beyond high school await you. Be ready for them and take full advantage of each. “
Edison obtained his bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University, Macomb, in 1987. He began his career in education in 1987, teaching general music, vocal music, and instrumental music at Prairie Hills Elementary School District 144 in Markham.
In 1993, he was hired as director of bands for Elementary School District 159 in Matteson. The following year he completed his masters degree in music education from Governors State University in University Park. He received a second masters from Governors State University in 1997 with a major in educational administration and supervision. Later that year, Edison accepted a position as district curriculum supervisor at Bremen Community High School District 228, Midlothian.
He completed his doctoral degree in educational administration supervision and leadership from Loyola University in Chicago in 2005 and was promoted the following year to assistant superintendent of personnel and student services.
In 2008, Edison was recruited to join Crete-Monee School District 201U as assistant superintendent of human resources and was later appointed as interim-superintendent in 2013 before eventually becoming superintendent for Posen-Robbins School District 143 1/2.
Kelly White is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.