After a year-long partnership with John E. Ford K-8, the Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven Group from NAS Jax visited the school for a special ceremony to formalize the school adoption and partnership.
"The Wing Eleven Group has been doing many positive things for our school, including helping us to beautify our campus and even assisting with events like our movie night," said Principal Brooks-Hoyle. "We are excited to continue building a wonderful partnership with the Wing Eleven Group, and we are so thankful for their commitment to John E. Ford."
Joining the school for the ceremony was Captain Mark L. Turner, Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven Group, and members of his wing. Also in attendance were Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals and Duval County School Board Vice Chair Brenda Priestly Jackson, as well as other district representatives.
The ceremony began with music by the John E. Ford chorus, who sang America the Beautiful, and a presentation by the NAS Color Guard.
Commander Turner presented Principal Brooks-Hoyle and her students and staff with a plaque.
"The partnership we share with John E. Ford is very important to the Wing Eleven Group, and we hope the students enjoy it as much as we do," said Captain Turner. "We want the students to dream big, and we hope that we can be a small part of that."
As a token of their appreciation, Principal Brooks-Hoyle also presented the Wing Eleven Group with a symbol of their school, the royal knight, and a certificate thanking the group for adopting them.
Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals joined the school in thanking the men and woman for their support.
"We are so appreciative of the dedication Wing Eleven has shown and will continue to show the students of John E. Ford Elementary. It is wonderful that these students have members of the community who are involved at their school and care about their success."
For more information about community and business partnerships, visit the
DCPS' Community and Family Engagement Department.
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