About The Jenkins County times. (Millen, Ga.) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 30, 2023)
Page 4 - Wednesday, August 30, 2023 The Jenkins County Times j enkinsc ountytimes .com wmbowp John Paul Hearn, Superintendant Jenkins County School System This week, I want to continue our discussion of Good to Great. As I have said before, that is where we are headed in the Jenkins County School System. When looking at the word Great, we have discussed Grit and Relentless. Today, we are going to see what it means to Expect Excellence. Expecting excellence from ourselves and others is not about setting unrealistic expectations but rather about striving for continuous improvement and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Expecting excellence begins with setting high standards for ourselves and those around us. By establishing clear expectations, we create a framework for success and encourage a culture of excellence. When we raise the bar, we challenge ourselves to go beyond our comfort zones and reach new heights, driving personal growth and development. When we expect excellence, we inspire others to rise to the occasion. By believing in the potential of individuals, we empower them to tap into their hidden talents and capabilities. Expectations motivate individuals to give their best and strive for greatness. Kirby Smart said this about being great. ‘There’s one way. The right way. The hard way. There are no shortcuts.” By creating an environment that fosters high expectations, we cultivate a sense of purpose and drive that fuels achievement. Expecting excellence goes hand in hand with a mindset of continuous improvement. It encourages us to reflect on our performance, identify areas for growth, and seek opportunities to enhance our skills and knowledge. By embracing a growth mindset, we understand that excellence is not a destination but a lifelong journey. It prompts us to leam from failures, adapt to change, and constantly evolve to stay ahead. Expecting excellence entails holding ourselves and others accountable for our actions and outcomes. It encourages a sense of responsibility to deliver our best work and take ownership of our choices. I am reminded of a play in the national championship game between UGA and Alabama in 2022. Linebacker Charming Tindall made a mistake and almost gave up a touchdown. Fellow linebacker Nakobe Dean was quick to get in his face and hold him accountable. On the next play Tindall sacked Alabama quarterback Bryce Young for a huge loss on 3rd down. Tindall said, “He just held me accountable for my mistake.” When we hold ourselves and those around us to a high standard, it fosters a culture of accountability, where individuals take pride in their work and strive for excellence in all that they do. Expecting excellence has a ripple effect that extends beyond individual achievements. When we raise our expectations, we inspire those around us to do the same. By setting an example of excellence, we become catalysts for positive change in our school, community, and society as a whole. Our commitment to excellence can inspire others to reach for their full potential. Expecting excellence is not about demanding perfection but rather about embracing a mindset of continuous growth and improvement. Kobe Bryant once said, “If you want to play at an excellent level, if you want to do something excellent, you have to be excellent all the time. It’s a way of life.” By setting high standards, inspiring achievement, fostering accountability, and having a positive influence, we can unleash the power of excellence in our lives and the lives of those around us. My hope is that we all embrace the challenge of expecting excellence, as it is through this pursuit that we can unlock our true potential and make a lasting impact on Jenkins County. Sometimes we just need to act like a child. Despite our gray hair, lack of hair, aches and pains, to act like a ten year old can be liberating. If you don’t believe me, just ask Talmadge Fries. The other evening a group of us went to dinner in Statesboro. The truth is, this is a weekly event. No matter how busy this group is, we always find some time to enjoy dinner together. I mean just look at me, I ain’t gonna miss a meal. So, anybody who knows Talmadge, knows how aggravating he can be. While the waitress is taking our orders, he is thumping little bits of trash at me. While I am unwrapping my silverware and putting my straw in my water glass, I am being pummeled by bits of paper. His shredded napkin, what was he going to wipe his mouth with, his sleeve? The paper wrapper off his straw and silverware, you name it, he chunked it across the table at me. So, what did I do you ask? Well I didn’t sit there being all innocent, let me tell you. I began chunking it back. Now, did I mention that we were in a booth? That’s important part to the story. Anway, I made the decision to thump the trash across the table at him. You know, like we used to do in paper football? I think you probably need gray hair to remember the folded triangles we used for football and your friend would hold two fingers up like a field goal? If you remember the game then you also remember how your thump would go wild. Well, that’s what mine did. I watched in amazement as my wadded trash lodged in the back of the head of the woman sitting in the next booth. Like a spit ball, it sat in her long dark tresses as her hand reached up to brush it away. She and her dinner companion began looking up, like Henny Penny, is the sky falling down? I By Joe Brady, Editor for The Times watched in amazement with my hand covering my mouth. Everybody at my table sat in silence, including Talmadge. Where was all that mouth now? I wanted to ask him. I began thinking, the boyfriend, husband, or whatever he was was a skinny little dude, I could probably take him if he wanted to fight. He looked about my age. I felt like the bully in class having been discovered by the teacher throwing spitballs. As the couple kept staring at the ceiling looking for falling plaster, I came clean, unlike the ten year old I felt like. “It was that man right there!” I motioned at Talmadge. “I don’t know why he acts like such a child!” The moral of the story? If you do something stupid, own up to it and choose your dinner companions wisely. That’s all for now, take care! American Legion Post 116 Honored with Prestigious Post Excellence Certificate By Sarah Saxon, Reporter far The Times Letters to the editor of The Jenkins County Times are welcomed and encouraged. These are pages of opinion, yours and ours. Letters to the editor voice the opinions of the newspaper’s readers. The Jenkins County Times reserves the right to edit any and all portions of a letter. Unsigned letters will not be published. Letters must include the signature, address and phone number of the writer to allow our staff to authenticate its origin. Letters should be limited to 400 words and should be typewritten and double-spaced or neatly printed by hand. Deadline for letters to the editor is noon on Wednesday. Email Letters to the Editor to: thejenkinscountytimes@gmail.com Sylvania - The George Alexander Mincey Post 116 of the American Legion in Sylvania received the esteemed Post Excellence certificate during the 1st District quarterly meeting, a significant recognition that highlights the posts exceptional dedication to community service and veteran’s support. The 1st District quarterly meeting, held at Post 135 in Savannah on August 4, 2023, served as the platform for the presentation of the Post Excellence certificate to Post 116. Among the 17 posts within the 1st District of Georgia, Post 116 was one of only two posts to be awarded this prestigious distinction. The certificate, a testament to the dedication and hard work of the members of Post 116, was read and presented during the evening monthly meeting. The American Legion certificate of Post Excellence paid tribute to the outstanding commitment of Post 116 to their community and veterans. The text of the certificate reads as follows: On June 9, George Alexander Mincey Post 116 was presented with a Recognition of Post Excellence for demonstrating excellence in serving their community above and beyond all expectations. In keeping with the Aims of Our Preamble, this post and its members have displayed exemplary efforts through their Devotion To Mutual Helpfulness. This post’s exemplary efforts deserve recognition for their support of the programs and activities of the American Legion, all the while, being an asset in their community. Their Allegiance to helping Veterans is exemplary and they should be commended for their efforts towards post excellence. The American Legion presents this Certificate In Appreciation to this Post’s unselfish duty, devotion, and compassion towards their fellow man and women. In witness whereof, this testimonial of Personal Gratitude is given by the undersigned and presented on this 9th day of June 2023. Signed by Vicent J. Troila, National Commander and Daniel S. Wheeler, National Adjutant Post 116 has actively engaged in numerous community events, underscoring their commitment to serving beyond the call of duty. Their participation in events such as the Millen farmers market on Tuesdays and speaking engagements at the Sylvania Rotary Club showcases their dedication to fostering a strong community bond. Under the leadership of Post Commander Wayne Howard, Post 116 has also demonstrated their unwavering commitment to veterans through their allegiance to support veterans needs and concerns. The Post Excellence certificate is a fitting acknowledgment of their selfless efforts. As the post looks forward to the near future, several benefit days and events are already being scheduled to continue their impactful community involvement. For inquiries or further information about American Legion Post 116, interested parties can reach out to Post Commander Wayne Howard at 912- 690-4626. The recognition of the Post Excellence certificate stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Post 116 devotion, compassion, and unselfish service to their fellow citizens and veterans. IMMESMiSlREKUNMAlERS FUNERAL HOME 107 Singleton Ave, Sylvania, GA 30467 ph:912-564-2331 Email: tswfhga@gmail.com Website: thompsonstricklandwalers.com (providing personaC, caring, andprofessionaC service to every famiCy. “Serving as we wonCcf iwant to 6e served. ” SERVING SCREVEN COUNTY AND SURROUNDING AREAS SINCE 1981 .Jenkins County Times Proudly covering Jenkins County ’s news, sports, and community events Sam Eades Publisher Joe Brady Editor Sam Eades Advertising Sales Debbie Heam Admin/Layout and Design Executive Sarah Saxon Admin/Legals/Reporter/AP Correspondent Brad Asbury Sports Editor Jake Gay Reporter Tyler Busch Podcast Director/Reporter THE JENKINS COUNTY TIMES issue 25 August 2023 is published weekly by on Wednesday for $35 per year by THE JENKINS COUNTY TIMES, 425 Hwy 25 S • Millen, Ga. 30442. Periodical postage pending at Millen, GA and additional mailing offices. 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