GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – For Ms. J, her journey to GRPS feels like destiny.
Coming from a family rooted in education, she says the district chose her just as much as she chose it. A proud Central High School graduate from the Class of 1989, Ms. J spent years working in retail and banking before a move out of state, then a return home, led her to sign up as a GRPS substitute.
That step changed everything.
“When your maternal and paternal sides of your family are educators, it is almost inevitable that this would be my arena,” she said. “I quickly realized that I enjoy junior high and high school students the most, but special education has my full heart.”
She has now served as a special education paraprofessional at Ottawa Hills High School for more than a decade.
“My most enjoyment is when I am introduced to an incoming freshman who has had challenges, and by their sophomore year personal recognition and reflection have grown within them,” she said. “The best feeling is being there when they walk the stage to receive their diploma.”
Throughout her career, Ms. J credits the many influential educators who have poured into her, helping her grow and succeed in her role. She now works to have that impact on her scholars.
“Building relationships that continue long after students graduate is very impactful,” she said. “Many students that I've had the privilege to work with are now young adults who are creating their own families and way of life and have reached out to me to simply say, ‘Thank you for never giving up on me.’ That is my reward.”
For her unwavering commitment and belief in every scholar she serves, Joycelyn “Ms. J” Evans truly embodies what it means to be a GRPS Champion.
