Jesse Wooten

Ernie has visited and presented to SBMS students at the school’s “town meetings” every year since we’ve been at the Jefferson Campus. His incredible photos, and the way in which he talks about them, completely mesmerize the kids as they sit in absolute silence throughout.

Afterward, he takes questions from the audience. One year, a tiny 7th-grader asked what advice Ernie has for people her age. Ernie responded without hesitation.

“Number one: be honest. Number two: follow your passion.”

As a teacher who talks to parents and kids regularly, I tell this story a lot. I can’t think of better advice for children and adults alike. Thank you for your example, Ernie.