Major General James Donald, U.S. Army (Retired), in full uniform, spoke to an excited and awestruck group of third grade students at the Franklin County Consolidated School. General Donald began by teaching the students parade rest, attention, and present arms (salute) and then challenged one of the students to join him in pushups. He shared his story on how getting an education opened the path to a successful career in the military and as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections. He emphasized the importance of reading and getting a high school diploma. He asked the students what career they wanted to pursue. Some students want to go into the Army or Marines, nursing, teaching, deputy sheriff. General Donald encouraged the students to follow their dream, reminding them that an education will be the key to their success. General Donald spoke as part of a program to introduce the students to different career opportunities such as military, air traffic controller, electrician, contractor and opportunities in the seafood industry.
The St. George Island United Methodist Church partners with the Franklin County Consolidated School in support of the faculty, staff and students by partnering with the third-grade. The partnership is built around the classroom needs and vision of the third-grade teachers, Ms. Millender, Ms. Carino, Ms. Kuechel and Ms. Brush, and provides appropriate books for the classroom, volunteers to read and assist those students who may need extra help with their reading skills, monthly cookies & craft, and volunteers to speak to students about their careers.
With the community partnering with our schools we can, and will, make our schools in Franklin County “A” schools, and SGIUMC encourages other organizations to support and partner with our local schools. Read the full article from the Apalachicola Times here.
