Roy Barnes 2010

Yesterday, Roy was the honored guest for Newton County High School’s Black History Month program.  Newton County High is one of three high schools in the county, but is a small university unto itself, boasting over 2.200 students!

Before the program, Roy was greeted by several members of the National Honor Society who served as ambassadors and showed him around the school building.  He was able to talk with each of them about their plans after high school and thrilled that they were all working towards college.  Roy was also able to speak with Principal Roderick Sams about the progress his students are making and how state leaders can better support his efforts to increase student achievement.

The program was an amazing showcase of student talent – an incredible display of rifle twirling by the MCJROTC drill team, a moving rendition of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech by the Advanced Drama class, a rousing version of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, and a very inspiring performance of a traditional gospel song by a trio of students.

Roy used his opportunity to speak to challenge NCHS students to remember the sacrifice of those who have come before.  He shared the fact that, although he attending public school in Georgia, it was not until his days at the University of Georgia that he attended an integrated school.  He used that point to illustrate the fact that things were not always the way they are today.  He encouraged all NCHS students to apply that to their daily lives as they both acknowledge the incredible progress we’ve made and continue to fight for equality.

After the program, many NCHS teachers came up to Roy to share their support and appreciation for his participation.  Roy also met with the Advanced Placement Government class before the bell rang for their next class.

Overall, a great morning at NCHS – Go Rams!!

To read more about the event and see more pictures, check out this article from the Covington News and this article from the Newton Citizen.

Additionally, read about Roy's visit in the Newton County High School newspaper, the RamPage.