31-01-2025
Marines volunteer at Richlands Elementary School for ‘Adopt a School' program
RICHLANDS, N.C. (WNCT) — Schools across Onslow County now have a special partnership with the military.
Richlands Elementary School is the last school in the district to get adopted by a unit through the 'Adopt a School' Program.
The program lets military units volunteer for different schools whether that's helping out in the classroom or school events. It also helps students learn what being in the military is like.
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26 got a warm welcome from Richland Elementary students. They were greeted with music from the Marine Corps Band, a performance from a student and hundreds of cheers. They will be volunteering in the school throughout the year.
'They'll come out and volunteer for things like Fall Festival or Holiday concerts or a parent, student and parent-led conference night, our field day that we have coming up soon,' Principal of Richlands Elementary Corrine Edwards said. 'We also plan on using them and some tutoring opportunities with our students as well.'
It not only gives the staff some extra help, but also directly helps the students.
'I think it helps the students out by envisioning the military as a possible career path, which is one of the most honorable professions that you can have, just like education,' Edwards said. 'So, just giving the students the opportunity to see that first-hand and to spend time with the Marines and the Marines to get to spend time with our kids, I think it's a really equal partnership and it's going to be great.'
Commanding Officer of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26 Michael Bryant said that it's also important to show the Marine Corps helping the youth.
'The like, younger generation of who will end up, you know, the next round of officers and enlisted in the Marine Corps and, you know, the senators and the like, representatives we will see in the future.' Bryant said.
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