Brooks County Celebrates Veterans’ Day

Brooks County—On November 11th, if you happened to travel through Pavo, GA or Quitman, GA you may have seen a line of cars, runners, or heard music. Both areas were celebrating Veterans’ Day with local VFW speakers, tap dancers, choirs, and so much more. 

Pavo, GA held a Veterans’ Strut & Run 5k where people of all ages could come and run with trophies waiting to be won. Local residents, visitors, and community members all participated in this event with fun, laughter, and yep you guessed it some sore muscles. 

The Pavo Downtown Development Authority sponsored this run in the hopes to encourage fun, good health, and to celebrate those who have served. Each category of runners received a trophy for first and second place.

The winners were: 

Men: #1 Dillon Thompson, #2 Doug Thompson. Women #1 Emma Thompson, #2 Sandra Jones.

After the race, folks were seen moving across the major highway to the closed off road where a small stage was erected, tents were set up and seating was arranged. Smoke could be seen from the grill has sizzling hot dogs were cooked and served with bags of chips and drinks. 

The Hahira Cloggers also performed for the visitors at this event, clogging to beautiful music and making many there smile, clap and dance along. After their performances VFW Pastor Nathan Wilburn took to the stage to give a heart-warming, informational, and proud speech. Wilburn spoke of many things including the reasons behind the need for America to go to war based on the reasons of the past. Wilburn spoke of his time in the service, why the service is needed, and offered a prayer. 

Quitman, GA—Local Veteran, P.D. Duncan and the VFW Post 5659 along with the Quitman Methodist Church hosted the annual Veterans’ Day Program. Quitman Methodist Church’s choir and pianist gave a wonderful performance bringing tears and joy from their songs. P.D. Duncan also announced newly gathered information on those lost in wars and conflicts, announced new members names on the Armed Forces bricks, and gave the announcement of the winners in the school’s competition of writing. 

Brooks County School System’s students in the high school and the middle school participated in a writing contest given by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Citizenship Educator. This year’s winners of these writing essays and the winning Educator is as follows:

 The Voice of Democracy theme for this year is "What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?" Brooks County High School students from 9th to 12th grade category winners were: 

First Place: Isabella Raleigh Second Place: Shane Freeman Third Place: Jordan Crosby

The Patriot’s Pen theme for this year is “How Are You Inspired by America?" The Brooks County Middle School students, grades 6th to 8th grade category winners were: First Place: Megan DeSantiago

 Second Place: Andres Maldonado-Ramos Third Place: Layla Mitchell 

Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars hosts the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program each year. Delta Innovative School History Teacher, Daniel Storey, was selected to represent Brooks County School District at the local Smart/Maher VFW Citizenship Education Teacher this year. 

“What is the Teacher Award Program? 

Founded in 1899, the VFW highly supports the education of America’s youth. VFW and its Auxiliary have developed a slate of programs dedicated to helping America’s educators. VFW Citizenship Education programs stimulate interest in America’s history, traditions, Americanism, civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism. Teachers care deeply about America and its children. They’re concerned about the perpetuation of America’s noblest traditions and highest ideals. Wouldn’t you like to see them get the honor they deserve? Now you can. 

Why Should I Enter?

 VFW wants to identify and recognize America’s best educators who instill a sense of national pride in students. The national awards include $1,000 Smart/Maher award for each of the top K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 teachers for professional development expenses, $1,000 award for each winning teacher’s school, commemorative plaques and all-expense-paid trip to the VFW National Convention.

 Who is Eligible? 

All current certified/licensed teachers in grades K-12 are eligible. Previous national VFW winners are ineligible. Nominations can be submitted by themselves, fellow teachers, supervisors, family members or other interested individuals. How are teachers nominated? Fill out the official entry form contained on the next page and provide a one-page resume as a minimum or up to five pages, including the resume, as a maximum of documentation of their teaching experience (for example: resume, references, news articles, etc.) and a head-and shoulder photo if available. Please submit your completed entry form signed, along with the required documentation to your local VFW Post. 

Visit vfw.org/Find a Post for Post locations or call VFW Programs Department at 816.756.3390 ext. 6287 to find the Post near.” ( chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.vfw.org/-/media/VFWSite/Files/MY_VFW/Training-and-Support/Community-Service/Teacher-Award-Manual#:~:text=The%20VFW%20launched%20the%20Smart,are%20selected%20as%20department%20winners.) 

Further information can also be found at www.vfw.org. 

Congratulations to this year’s Brooks County School District winners and Mr. Storey.