Hooks speaks to Emanuel Retired Educators

The February meeting of the Emanuel Retired Educators Association (EREA) was held last week in the Twin City Elementary (TCE) School Media Center. President Verdell Brinson called the meeting to order, and TCE Principal Jessica Collins welcomed members and provided an overview of the school. She proudly shared that this year, TCE was recognized as a Title I Distinguished School and Title I Reward School. The recognitions reflect the dedication, passion, and hard work of the entire school community: students, staff, and families.

Following a delicious meal provided by the TCE lunchroom, Elease Turner introduced Chandra Hooks, Executive Director of School Nutrition for Emanuel County Schools. Hooks praised her forty-six hard-working School Nutrition staff members who serve 4,078 students in six schools, as well as Emanuel County Head Start and Crossroads Transitional Academy. This dedicated team works diligently to ensure every student has healthy school meal choices each and every day. Hooks stated that students enjoy free breakfast and lunch daily, and she provided a valuable handout indicating meal participation at each school, as well as state requirements for a healthy school meal pattern. The Emanuel County School District is fortunate to have such an enthusiastic and devoted leader in its School Nutrition Program.

As part of an on-going EREA monthly project, the name of a staff member at Twin City Elementary was drawn, and an appreciation gift basket was awarded to 5th grade teacher Holly Hattaway. After receiving the gift basket, Hattaway expressed her love of teaching and her sincere appreciation for the kind gesture. President Brinson reminded members of the Georgia Retired Educators Association Convention scheduled for May 6-8 in Augusta. Registration forms were made available for members interested in attending. The next EREA meeting is set for Wednesday, April 16, at noon, at Emanuel County Institute. Nominations for EREA officers for next year will be announced and voted on. All Emanuel County retired educators are encouraged to attend.