Hailey Heseltine
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Meet Sylvester Peck, Sr.!
Peck was born and raised in the New Bethel community of Jefferson County's Linton's Mills area. Though he currently lives in Leon County, he remains an active part of Jefferson's community.
Peck graduated from Jefferson County High School in 1978. Throughout his high school years, he served in several student leadership roles, including as senior class president, and was recognized for his prowess in football, track and field and art.
After graduation, he received a scholarship to attend Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View Texas and began his college education there. However, he later decided to transfer to Florida A&M University (FAMU). There, he earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts and art education, minoring in humanities and graphic arts. He went on to earn master's degrees in physical education/sports management and educational leadership from FAMU.
“I always knew I would attend college and told my parents as early as sixth grade that I would earn a scholarship,” he explains. “I chose art because it was a natural strength, though I explored other interests. I also operated my own small business in high school, Peck Signs, and would have pursued business studies had I felt better prepared at the time.”
Peck decided to join the workforce as an educator after his former high school English teacher, Mrs. Betty Messer, recommended him to the principal of Greenville Middle School in Madison County. Though he was already working in printing and publishing, he decided to accept the position after touring the school, even though he knew that working in the field meant he would have less pay. Now a passionate advocate for public education with 33 years of experience in the classroom, he doesn't regret his decision.
“I believe public schools play a critical role in moving society forward by serving every child, regardless of background or economic status,” Peck comments.
He is also now a professional artist, genealogist, writer and historian. He loves learning, exploring historic sites, cemeteries and rural landscapes, and sharing his community's history with others.
“My goals center on continuing to educate, create and preserve history — especially the stories, places and people of Jefferson County,” he says. “My work spans education, visual art, historical documentation and community preservation.”
Peck loves sharing his community with his family; he is married to “the beautiful” Evelyn Graham. The couple has a son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren. However, the feeling of family connection doesn't stop there. He also considers many in Jefferson County to be an extension of his own family, as they “provide [him] with the emotional fuel that inspires [his] work and commitment.”