Board of Education recognizes April as the Month of the Military Child

PERRY — The Houston County Board of Education met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 8, and celebrated April as the Month of the Military Child. 

Col. Dedrick Reese, 78th Air Base Wing Commander for Robins Air Force Base and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Scott signed the Month of the Military Child Proclamation. 

“April is the Month of the Military Child which is a special time to honor and recognize the resilient sacrifices and strength of students whose lives are impacted by military service,” Scott said. “In our District, we are proud to serve approximately 1,700 children of active duty service members. Additionally, many of our employees have personal ties to the military.” 

Resse said they could not do what they do without the Board of Education as they help these military children transition to a new community. 

“As our service members move from location to location, the one main concern that comes to mind is where [children] are going to school. When that security is provided and it’s provided with excellence, that enables us to do what we do and focus on the nation’s business day in and day out,” he said. “Thank you for taking care of our heroes.” 

The Board also heard from the principals of Miller Elementary, David Perdue Elementary, Kings Chapel Elementary, Thomson Middle and Veterans High School. Each school principal brought two of their star students and teacher of the year. 

“Thank you to each of our guests. We love hearing from our principals, teachers and students,” Vice-Chair Dr. Rick Unruh said. 

The Board gave congratulations to the FFA State winners from Perry and Veterans High Schools, SkillsUSA State winners from Houston County Career Academy and Veterans High School and FBLA State winners from Houston County and Veterans High Schools. 

Houston County High School Literary State Champions as well as the Middle School All-State Band participants and the 5th Grade Oratorical Winners were also recognized by the Board. 

Board member Lori Johnson, a military child herself, provided comments for the meeting centered around Month of the Military Child. 

“I would like to thank those that have served or are currently serving and the families that support them. I’d like to express my admiration and respect to the many military brats that we have in our District as many have touched my life and the lives of my family members and have certainly left a memorable impression,” she said.  

Johnson mentioned the month of April is also filled with many exciting things for the students and teachers. 

“I know we’re looking to prom, field days, testing and even graduation. It is hard to believe that yet another year is getting ready to wrap up,” she said. 

Johnson also pointed out that it is also the end of another era with Superintendent of School Dr. Mark Scott retiring soon. 

“It has been a pleasure working with Dr. Scott over the last several years as I feel like he has watched me grow up as a board member. It’s going to feel weird to be on this Board without him because I’ve never done that,” she said. “I will miss your leadership, work ethic, determination, vision, sincerity and most of all your friendship.” 

In Scott’s Superintendent’s report, he first congratulated recent Military Flagship Schools, including David Perdue Primary, Pearl Stephens Elementary, Quail Run Elementary and Perry High School. 

Scott recognized April as School Library Month and congratulated Jessie Gardner from Veterans High School, who was named Media Specialist of the Year and will be eligible for the state award. 

Scott also announced the district’s Summer Feeding Program in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Education. 

“Meals will be offered free of charge to children 18 and under from May 27 to July 19,” he said. “This is a great service we are able to offer and we encourage our community to apply before May 2.” 

To end the report, Scott highlighted a few special dates including recognizing the month of April as the Month of the Military Child, Autism Awareness Month, and Occupational Therapy Month. 

The next Houston County Board of Education meeting will be held on May 13, at the Board office in Perry. The full agenda of this meeting can be found at simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=4089&MID=124793