LA Class of 2024 Education Day Recap Sponsored by Piedmont
On Thursday, December 14, the Leadership Augusta Class of 2024 enjoyed a day devoted to growing our knowledge of local and regional education systems.
We began the day with an informative leadership panel featuring Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw (Superintendent, Richmond County Schools), Dr. Steven Flynt (Superintendent, Columbia County Schools), and Dr. David Perkinson (Head of School, Episcopal Day School). The panel was followed by a tour of the new Junior Achievement Discovery Center led by Ashley Whitaker, the center’s Director of Development. The Discovery Center was born from a unique partnership between Richmond and Columbia County education leaders in an effort to meet the financial literacy needs of students in the region.
Our day continued at Augusta Technical College where we were greeted by Dr. Jermaine Whirl (President, ATC). He led us in an interactive “Leadership in Action” activity and offered sage advice and recommended reading to help us advance our leadership goals.
After a quick trip from Augusta Tech to the Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School, the class was treated to student-led tours of the facility featuring some of their innovative programs, and we were also treated to lunch provided by RCTCM culinary students. Before leaving the magnet school, we heard from Dr. Demica Williams and Mr. Nicholas Wood about the collaborative efforts of Piedmont Augusta and Augusta Technical College to meet our community’s growing healthcare needs. Piedmont Augusta also served as the Education Day sponsor.
In the afternoon, we reconvened at the HUB for Community Innovation where a panel of local leaders gathered to discuss pressing issues affecting student engagement and learning: Mr. Ian Mercier (President & CEO, MCG Foundation), Dr. Judi Wilson (Dean, Augusta University College of Education and Human Development), Mr. Marcus Allen (Assistant Superintendent of Support Services, Richmond County Schools), and Mrs. Kim Evans (President & CEO, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Augusta). Following a tour of the HUB facilities, the presidents of Augusta University and Paine College, Dr. Brooks Keel and Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones, joined us and shared with us their exceptional paths to academic leadership.
We ended the day at the Boys and Girls Club headquarters with a tour and a fun activity that challenged us to think both creatively and critically.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Education Day Chairs Dr. Malinda Cobb, Dr. Judi Wilson, and Dr. Ashley Strong-Green for putting together an engaging and eye-opening experience that allowed us to cultivate a true appreciation for the hard work that educators at all levels are doing to make the CSRA a smarter, stronger community.
-Kristie Robin Johnson, Class of 2024