Southside Middle School and the Transient Personnel Unit (TPU) of the Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax) formalized an educational partnership on January 10 during a ceremony at Southside Middle. This partnership is part of the "Adopt-A-School" Program.
Keynote speakers at the event included, City Councilman Don Redman; School Board member Kris Barnes; Commander Draper, representing the TPU; Latanya Hasty, principal of Southside Middle School; and Mr. Peter Keeves, sponsor of the Southside Middle School mentor program.
Student representatives from the school's chapter of the National Junior Honor Society and members of the Student Council spoke about the many ways the partnership will benefit the school. Some of these benefits include providing students with mentors, tutors, career information and access to the many resources at NAS Jax. Volunteers will also participate in a variety of before and after activities at the school.
During the event, the Navy Color Guard Transient Personnel Unit of NAS Jax presented the colors, and the Southside Middle School Band of Gold played a selection of patriotic songs under the direction of band leader Mr. Jerry Carter. A reception for the guests followed in the school's media center.
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