ST PAUL, Minn — It's only fitting that the oldest high school in Minnesota has a principal dedicated to continuing its legacy.
Cherise Ayers graduated from Central High in 1997. She was the student council president, and now, she has returned to lead the school as principal.
"Good morning!" she says at the top of Central's stairs. "Have a great day!"
As often as she can, she'll position herself in front of her school in the mornings to say hi to every student.
"My mom went here, my sister went here," she went on. "My oldest daughter graduated last year. My son is a sophomore here now."
She says she wants to give back to a place that has given so much to her.
"Charity begins at home, this is home," said Ayers. "And so giving at home is more fulfilling than anything else."
She grew up in St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood, surrounded by mentors like music teacher Felix James.
"Bless his heart, I could never stay with an instrument," she said. "Now he's teaching my kids. And he's given me advice throughout the years."
She says those who call Rondo home have been through a lot, including the construction of I-94 which split the neighborhood.
"We were torn apart, but weren't destroyed," she said.
She says Rondo is known for growing great leaders, like her former principal Mary Mackbee.
"What effectiveness looks like and occupying this role is about tapping into that legacy," said Cherise.
On Tuesday, hundreds of Central seniors received their diplomas. And who knows, perhaps someone crossing the stage will be a future principal.
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