The Brantley County Board of Education honored Veterans who have or are still serving the Armed Forces during its regular monthly meeting held Veterans Day.
A series of retired and active members of the U.S. Military were acknowledged during the November 11 meeting for their heroic service and they were recognized one by one.
The Veterans recognized were:
• Joe Allen, United States Air Force, who served four years and has the rank of Senior Airman.
• Darrell Baker, United States Air Force, who served 20 years and has the rank of Master Sergeant.
• Ed Berenguer, United States Air Force, who served 22 years and has the rank of Master Sergeant.
• Rick Chapman, United States Air Force, who served 32 years and has the rank of Colonel.
• Wiley Crews, United States Navy, who served 20 years and has the rank of Yeoman Chief Petty Officer.
• Michelle Hinds, United States Army, who served five years and has the rank of Specialist.
• Deon Horne, United States Army, who served eight years and has the rank of Specialist.
• Jeff Johns, United States Navy, who served 21 years and has the rank of E-8.
• Dr. Corey Lesseig, United States Marine Corps, who served eight years and has the rank of Sergeant.
• Tara McLain, United States Navy, who served four years and has the rank of Engineman 3rd Class (E4).
• Amanda Pugh, United States Army, who served seven years and has the rank of Sergeant.
• Pete Santiago, United States Navy, who served three and a half years and has the rank of E4 Petty Officer Third Class (BM).
• Clay Sykes, United States Marine Corps (four years) and the U.S. Navy (13.5 years), for a total of 17.5 years and is a 100% Disabled Veteran.
Other Veterans recognized included Deven Blankenship, Shawn Lawrence and Chris McDonald.
Three students read “Thank You” letters to the Veterans such as Olivia Brockington and Cayden Julio from Atkinson Elementary and Sean Spain.
Also given special recognition were the volleyball and cross-country teams. The Lady Herons volleyball team, in its third year of existence, set a school record with 15 wins and won its firstever playoff match beating Brooks County in Quitman in the first round of the state tournament.
The Lady Herons’ and Herons’ cross-country teams each had a few achievements both as a group and individually.
The Lady Herons reached the Class A finals in Carrollton for the first time in over two decades after finishing second at region. They placed 15th at state, their best finish in school history.
Avery Crews was named to First Team All-Region.
The Herons’ Hayze Evans qualified for the state meet and was also named to First Team All-Region.
The SPLOST report from October was also given. The SPLOST was $167,821.38. The car tags were $96,652.94. The grand total was $264,474.32.
Also two individuals were awarded the Soaring for Success awards. Jenna Smith and Lynnette Rowe received plaques for their hard work and dedication to their professions.
Photos By JUSTIN HALL Cayden Julio (left) and Olivia Brockington read “Thank You” letters to the veterans in attendance at the Brantley County Board of Education monthy meeting on Veterans Day, Monday, November 16.
