Substitute bus driver Charles Anfield, center, was recognized by the Jenkins County Board of Education for his actions in safely evacuating students from a burning bus. Talmadge Fries, School Transportation Coordinator, and Melissa Williams, Jenkins County School Superintendent, made the presentation. (Staff photo by Deborah Bennett) Members of the Jenkins County Board of Education (BOE) extended special recognition to substitute bus driver Charles Anfield during the group’s Nov. 16, meeting. Anfield was honored for his actions in safely evacuating students from a school bus that caught fire recently on Palmer Row.

Jenkins County School Superintendent Melissa Williams praised Anfield for his “calm demeanor and level-headed actions”, noting that what could have been a disastrous situation was safely averted.

Also recognized were the accomplishments of several groups of students. The Jenkins County High School (JCHS) JROTC Raiders team was recognized for capturing two national titles and the overall state championship. The JCHS varsity softball team was honored for the team’s “never quit attitude” with several players recognized for All Star honors at region competition. They were All-Star Honorable Mention players Whitley Clark, Cortnei Earls and Zandra Lake and All-Star Region team members Mackenzie Walker and Ayana Walker. And Callie Dailey was recognized for being named to State School Superintendent Kathy Cox’s Student Advisory Council.

Members of the JROTC Raider team recently recognized by the Jenkins County Board of Education are, from left, Col. Ken Wade, Brittany McKinney, James Amerson, Keith Heggs, Keondra Kelly, Ayana Walker, Rubicelo Delgado, Tay Taylor, Tykierra Bobbit, Jerome Taylor, Natalie Branch, Marquis Moody, Anthony Sea, CSM Hayward Thompson. Not shown: Dwayne Snelling, Andres Jeronimo, Fernando Gomez and Brittany Singer. In other action, Debra Brinson was approved as Jenkins County School Food Service Manager for the Jenkins County Elementary School (JCES) cafeteria.

Members of the Jenkins County High School varsity girls softball team recognized by the Jenkins County Board of Education are, from left, Coach Bill Smith, Whitley Clark, Courtnei Earls, Zandra Lake, Ayana Walker, Callie Bailey and Pam Luke. Superintendent Williams reported that student enrollment was up three students over the previous month’s figures with total enrollment being 1,518 students.

Other actions taken by the BOE included the following:

• Approved Community in School s request to supply additional materials to the school system for use in its sex education curriculum;

• Approved a resolution for Title 50 waiver for two state requirements concerning class size and classroom expenditures; and

From left, Jenkins County School Superintendent Melissa Williams is shown congratulating Callie Dailey on being named to State School Superintendent Kathy Cox’s Student Advisory Council. • Approved several fundraising activities for the JCHS and Jenkins County Middle School.