Stephens County students recently experienced some meaningful time with a U.S. Army veteran on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Stephens County middle and high school students heard an inspirational message from Col. (Ret.) Gregory Gadson during the Stephens County School System’s annual African American History programs. The decorated Army veteran and motivational speaker challenged students to live their best lives, sharing powerful lessons from his journey of resilience and service.
The programs also featured moving musical performances by the SCMS Chorus and SCHS Chorus, who sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Jikaeus Harbin, a 2021 SCHS graduate, had the honor of introducing Gadson. The programs were coordinated by SCHS JROTC Instructor Col. (Ret.) David Priatko and Shantelle Grant, regional children and youth director with the Toccoa/Stephens County Public Library.
A highlight of the event came after the high school program when the SCHS JROTC presented Colonel Gadson with a generous $21,250 donation in his honor to the Gary Sinise Foundation, a national service organization supporting wounded veterans.
“Gadson donated his time to visit Stephens County,” Priatko said. “Our students have worked hard raising money to support the Gary Sinise Foundation throughout this school year to give back to Gadson and honor him for his military service. This foundation is very dear to his heart, and he serves on its board of directors. Many local businesses also supported this fundraising effort, and we appreciate their support.”
Gadson’s closing remarks reinforced the program’s message of service and legacy.
“Our lives are much bigger than us as individuals,” Gadson said. “Our lives are not about what we have, what we achieve, or what we individually accumulate. They are really about what we leave. What we leave this world lasts beyond us. Your teachers and coaches pour their lives and energy into you and try to fill you with wisdom and hope. It’s up to you to pass that on.”
School officials said the event left students and attendees alike inspired to embrace resilience, gratitude, and service in their own lives, ensuring that the impact of Colonel Gadson’s message will endure in Stephens County for years to come.
