Mr. And Mrs. Jackson, I pray this message finds you in peace. I was so very saddened to hear of the loss of Philip. My name is Michael Hairston and I had the pleasure of teaching and mentoring your son. Little did many know it was my first year in the classroom and while I was very knowledgeable of the content I had no clue how to reach this mass of young minds in front of me. It was the start of my first day and I managed to get through the first couple of periods without making a fool of myself or spilling coffee down my new suit, when two young men walked into what I believe was my 3rd period biology class. There was something about them both that just made me more comfortable and confident in this huge new endeavor I had undergone. I will never forget the big smile on Philip's face when he walked in and greeted my ...Hey Mr. H how are you and welcome to Southwest Dekalb. He and his friend Blake almost immediately became my favorite students not just in their class but across the board. They both would hang out in my class sometimes dodging Mr. Seada .....they were always in my class in fact they were like the sons I didn't have yet. Over the next years they became more than students, I considered them friends and mentees. I know that Philip's loss is devastating to you as I can not imagine the pain of lossing a child. I did want to reach out to you to let you know that I am praying for and with you. I also want you to know that in a short period of time, your son positively impacted the lives of those around him. Whenever I was having a hard day his infectious smile would just make those things fall away. He had the gift of lifting others spirits. His sense of humor and timing, could make and old grouch belly laugh. Please know that he will be missed by many and that you raised a fine young man. I will truly miss him.
With love and prayers
Michael G. Hairston
Fmr. Science Department
Southwest Dekalb High School