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Page 4 - Wednesday, August 30, 2023
The Jenkins County Times
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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
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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
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Jake Gay Reporter
Tyler Busch Podcast Director/Reporter
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