TPU Jax adopts Southside Middle School

"Over the years the Navy has enjoyed a great relationship with the Jacksonville community and our Sailors take our roles as mentors and role models very seriously. We view this initiative, this Adopt-A-School Program, as an opportunity to give back to the community that has welcomed us with open arms," said Draper to the audience of teachers and students.

"We'd like to contribute to the development, education and the awareness of the students here at Southside Middle School because it's very important. This partnership gives us the opportunity to give back to the community in a small way by helping you. It also provides us a powerful testament on how a school partnership can teach valuable skills to you and to us and to change the perception of students, teachers, parents and the community at large regarding the future opportunities that you have as you progress through your school years."

Duval County School Board Member Kris Barnes recognizes Transient Personnel Unit (TPU) Jax Commanding Officer Cmdr. Don Draper during the Adopt-A-School Partnership Ceremony between TPU Jax and Southside Middle School Jan. 10.

"Anything is possible in our country, you can dream, you can dare to achieve, you

can learn, you can say pretty much what you want to say and you can dare to excel and no one will stop you. Success comes from wanting to succeed," Draper continued. "Whether our Sailors serve as your tutor, provide classroom assistance or simply act as a positive role model, I'm confident these Sailors can and will make a real difference in the lives of our partners. I believe each of you, are poised and eager to benefit from the worthwhile and productive activities possible under the Adopt-A-School Program.

"It is my hope that by our example it will inspire and uplift each of you and contribute to your education, growth, curiosity, maturity, motivation and thirst for knowledge and adventure," he added.

Members of the NAS Jax Honor Support Team display the colors during the ceremony at Southside Middle School.

Several students also took the podium on stage to thank the Sailors from TPU Jax for partnering with their school. "The Navy's involvement will benefit our school by providing tutoring, chaperones and helping us with homework and after school projects. The Navy's commitment to Southside Middle School will benefit the school and students wonderfully," said Southside Middle School Student Council President Wando Davis. "We thank the Navy for adopting us and being available to provide these benefits to us."

"I truly believe this partnership between Southside Middle School and TPU Jax will benefit our school as a whole and provide basic opportunities that will shape our future," added National Junior Honor Society President Catarina Ly. "With all that TPU Jax has to offer, our students will be able to learn about important career opportunities. We will benefit from the expertise of the Navy personnel who volunteer at our school."

Transient Personnel Unit Jax Commanding Officer Cmdr. Don Draper offers some remarks during the ceremony.

The idea to adopt the school started with OS2 LaKeiya Weber of TPU Jax decided to take on the program for the command as a collateral duty. "I decided to volunteer to coordinate this program because it's such a great idea. We interact with the students, mentor them, tutor them and even participate in field trips and after school programs. It's like a Big Brother/Big Sister program but it's all about the school," stated Weber. "I picked this school because they were so receptive to the idea and have wanted to be adopted for so long. It's really exciting and it's an honor and a privilege to partner with Southside Middle School."

"This partnership is a great thing because it gives us so many mentorship opportunities," said Southside Middle School Principal LaTanya Hasty. "It's an excellent business partnership and we are thrilled to be formally adopted by TPU Jax."

Sailors from Transient Personnel Unit Jax gather with students from Southside Middle School after the ceremony where the military members formally adopted the school as part of a mentorship program.

The Navy's Adopt-A-School Program is part of the Navy Community Service Program (NCSP) which was developed in November 1992 to support national youth education goals and a globally competitive America. The NCSP expands the role of the Navy by encouraging community service projects and partnerships that strengthen the academic and personal growth of youth and improve quality of life in communities.