Three Area Teachers to Participate in Marine Corps Challenge

Three School District of Pickens County educators are up for the challenge of being Marine Corps recruits and are headed to boot camp at Parris Island for four days.

teachers Michael Stone and Tracy Todd along with Donna Looper, media specialist at Dacusville Middle, will participate in The United States Marine Corps Educators’ Workshop, a four-day workshop that provides educators, community leaders, and other local influencers the opportunity to witness a young person’s transformation from a high school student into a United States Marine.

Todd said, “We are given the opportunity to speak one-on-one with recruits, fire M-16s, and participate in physical fitness events. What is special about my attendance is that my son Taylor is currently in basic training and will be the recruit that we get to spend one-on-one time with.”

Because recruits can have no contact other than writing and receiving letters during basic training, Todd believes she has been offered a gift through her participation — she can see and talk to her son.

“This is a wonderful experience for any teacher, but I get a little extra bonus through my participation,” she added.

Looper, Stone, and Todd will attend the workshop from April 10 through April 14.