Today, the Kiwanis Club of the Azalea City hosted its annual Straight A Luncheon, honoring Putnam County’s outstanding 7th and 8th grade students who earned straight A’s. Thank you to Kiwanis for providing lunch and recognizing these students for their hard work and dedication.
Kiwanis Club President Mike Meredith welcomed students and families before introducing Superintendent Rick Surrency. Dr. Surrency congratulated students and thanked families for the support and encouragement that helped make this accomplishment possible.
He shared exciting updates about the revitalization happening across the district, including Putnam County School District’s graduation rate now ranking #5 in the state of Florida, as well as growing Career and Technical Education and STEM opportunities, including aviation programs.
Most importantly, he reminded students that we are preparing them for life beyond school and giving them reasons to be there, because programs like these help students find connection and a sense of belonging.
Dr. Surrency then introduced keynote speaker Dr. Thomas Hunter, a graduate of a Putnam County School District high school, by reminding students, “You can graduate from a Putnam County high school and impact an entire nation.”
Dr. Hunter retired as President and Laboratories Director of Sandia National Laboratories, where he oversaw a $2.3 billion budget and approximately 10,000 employees while advising the federal government on national security, energy, and research initiatives. He later led the federal government’s scientific response team during the BP oil spill and has served in leadership roles with the U.S. Department of Energy, University of Florida, and numerous national advisory boards.
Despite his extraordinary accomplishments, Dr. Hunter’s message to students was simple and heartfelt:
“You have achieved the first step to success… you have earned something no one can take from you.”
He reminded students that they have already proven they can be successful and encouraged them to stay true to themselves. Dr. Hunter challenged students to continue building success by being curious, being considerate, and, most importantly, being confident.
Awards were presented to students by Sarajean McDaniel, PCSD Executive Director of Leadership Development, and Kiwanis Club Members: Jane Crawford, Justin Edwards and Mike Meredith.
Congratulations to all of our Straight A students on this extraordinary accomplishment. We are proud of you and excited to see where your future takes you!
Photos from the event can be found here.
Watch the event video here: (coming soon).
#ProudtobePCSD