Brooks County Schools recently celebrated Ms. Lee Hadley, a teacher at Brooks County High School, as the Smart/Maher Teacher of the Year. Recognized for her exceptional contributions to classroom instruction, Ms. Hadley is celebrated for her dedication to fostering citizenship, patriotism, and a commitment to positive change. Her interactions with students emphasize the importance of these values in shaping responsible, engaged citizens who strive to make the world a better place.
In addition to honoring Ms. Hadley, the local VFW also announced the winners of the 2024 VFW Post writing contest. Each year, this contest encourages students to engage with significant topics related to democracy and civic responsibility, and this year’s themes sparked thoughtful reflection and creativity among Brooks County’s students.
The Patriot’s Pen essay competition, open to middle school students, focused on the theme, “My Voice in America’s Democracy.” This topic challenged students to explore their roles within the democratic process and the power of their voices in shaping the future of our country. The winners are as follows:
● 1st Place: Preston Lee
● 2nd Place: Layla Mitchell
● 3rd Place: Ro’Mail Johnson
High school students participated in the Voice of Democracy contest, where this year’s theme was “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?” This prompt invited students to examine the nation’s current state and its alignment with the ideals of America’s founders. The winners in this category are:
● 1st Place: Julia Grow (not pictured)
● 2nd Place: Nathan Sharp
● 3rd Place: Chasity Lewis
Both contests provided students with an opportunity to reflect on freedom, optimism, and the responsibilities inherent in our democratic society.
