Edgiton Farquharson believes that being an active participant in his children’s education is one of his greatest obligations as a parent.  For inspiring others to follow his lead, advocating on behalf of the welfare of children in Boston and beyond, ABCD Head Start applauds him.   

 As a father of six and a grandfather of one, Edigiton has spent countless hours supporting and encouraging his children to be successful in the classroom.  But it was not until his four-year-old grandson enrolled in South Side Head Start in Roslindale that Edigiton realized the important role early childhood education plays in a child’s ultimate achievement in school and in life. 

Edigiton’s involvement began when he attended a “Good Guys” meeting, a program that promotes male participation in the lives of their children.  It was in this group that he found his voice, advocating for something he had modeled his whole life.  Edigiton volunteered to serve on the South Side Parent Policy Council, quickly distinguishing himself as a leader.  He was elected by his peers to represent South Side on the Citywide Parent Policy Council and this past fall was selected as Chairperson.    

As Chair, Edigiton has worked tirelessly in partnership with Head Start management to produce services that are in the best interests of children and their families.  In between coordinating meetings, leading the policy council, chairing committees, and campaigning on behalf of the program, he continues to educate himself on early childhood development, absorbing information in order to pass it along to others. 

“At Head Start, we view parents as our partners in the education and development of the children we serve.  And Edigiton embodies that partnership,” says Sharon Scott Chandler, Vice President of Head Start and Children’s Services.  “All of us at Head Start benefit from his energy, his passion, and his leadership.”