DHS ROTC, Faculty Visit Fort Benning

Chris Billingsley, the recently retired Decatur High teacher, sent these photos and words last Thursday.

Yesterday I spent the day at Fort Benning with most of the Decatur High School administrative team and cadets from the Decatur High School ROTC program.

One of the highlights of the day was watching cadet Kierra Harkness receive instruction, advice and motivation to rappel down the 45-foot tower.  Later Dr. Kim Jones, DHS counselor, went through the same steps and was the only member of the administrative team to participate in any cadet activities. (To be fair, the rest of us were planning to jump out of the 40-foot parachute tower but lightning in the afternoon canceled the event).  

Eleven DHS cadets participated in the ROTC Leadership camp. I was very impressed with the positive interaction between veteran military commanders and the cadets as well as the interaction between a diverse student population.  

Congratulations to the DHS cadets and Col. Johnny Richards for a great week of leadership training.  DHS administrators participating yesterday were Assistant Principals Arlethia Williams and Rochelle Lofstrand, Career Academy Director Duane Sprull, Counselors Dr. Kim Jones and Jo Harpring, IB Coordinator Wes Hatfield and Georgia Job Skills Coordinator Joe Lee.