Essence Preparatory

Today marks the anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, led by Thurgood Marshall and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

At Essence Prep, we honor this legacy by continuing the work of empowering every scholar with access, excellence, and opportunity. The message of Brown still matters today: separate is never equal.

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved counselor, Ms. Mia Morris.

Ms. Mia was more than a counselor. She was a strong but gentle spirit whose presence brought comfort, wisdom, and calm to everyone around her. She had a rare gift of making people feel seen, heard, and valued. Our scholars trusted her, our staff leaned on her, and our families felt her genuine care and compassion.

Her connection to Essence Preparatory Public School runs deeper than her time on staff. Ms. Mia believed in this school long before many others did. She was one of the very few members of our community who personally traveled to Austin the day Essence was authorized by TEA, standing in support of a vision she believed would change the lives of young people on the East Side of San Antonio. In many ways, she helped fight for the very existence of Essence. That commitment alone makes her a true founder in the heart of this community.

Once she joined our team, she became the soul of support for so many. Whether a scholar needed encouragement, a family needed guidance, or a staff member needed a listening ear, Ms. Mia was there with patience, wisdom, and grace. Her kindness was quiet but powerful, and her impact will live on through the many lives she touched.

Her smile lit up our hallways. Her strength grounded our community. Her gentle spirit reminded us all what it means to truly care for others.

While we are currently on Spring Break, we will ensure that support and resources are available for our scholars, staff, and families when we return to campus.

We ask our entire Essence community to keep Ms. Mia’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

Her love for this school and this community will never be forgotten.

Forever in our hearts. ❤️

At Essence Prep, we are proud to celebrate extraordinary women who lead, serve, and inspire our scholars and community. Today, we honor our incredible board member, Jackie Gorman.

Ms. Gorman is a highly respected leader known for her expertise in diversity-focused executive searches, bringing organizations the highest caliber of diverse and talented candidates. Her work has helped shape leadership across industries while championing inclusion and opportunity.

Ms. Gorman is currently a Senior Advisor at Allen Austin. Prior to Allen Austin she served as the CEO of San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside (SAGE), where she led efforts focused on revitalization and economic development on San Antonio’s historic Eastside. Her leadership has created meaningful change and lasting impact throughout the community.

A member of the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame and an alumna of Leadership Texas (’03), Ms. Gorman’s accomplishments reflect a lifetime commitment to leadership, equity, and service. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.

We are honored to have Ms. Gorman’s wisdom, leadership, and dedication guiding Essence Prep. Her legacy reminds our scholars, especially our young women, that strong leadership and community impact go hand in hand.

Thank you, Ms. Gorman, for the path you continue to pave. 💐 Jackie L. Gorman

🖤 Black History Program

February 19 | 4:30 PM

Join us for an evening celebrating Black History!
We will explore the past, present, and future through:
• 🎶 Music by
• 🎭 Demonstrations
• 🍽️ Food
• 📖 Culture & History

✨ Join Us for an Unforgettable Black History Experience! ✨

Celebrate culture, excellence, and history at the Essence Black History Program featuring:

🎤 Inspiring Performances
🍽️ Delicious Food
🎶 Live Music
🎭 Powerful Showcases

You don’t want to miss this memorable evening honoring Black history and achievement. Bring your family and friends and be part of something special!