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From commander to principal in a day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashley L. Gardner
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 28th Operational Weather Squadron commander, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Jarry, visited Manchester Elementary School in Pinewood Nov. 12.

Jarry visited the school to gain a better understanding of what it takes to be a principal and to reach out to the community as well as future leaders of the world. Throughout the day he would also spend time explaining his role as a commander in the United States Air Force.

The Principal for a Day program invites community leaders to shadow an elementary school principal for a day, and was designed to help participants understand the rewards of working in the school district, explained Dr. Joy Tye, Manchester Elementary School principal.

PFAD programs are designed to promote appreciation and respect for schools, teachers and principals while strengthening ties with the local community continued Tye.

With Manchester's 530 students and staff, Jarry made sure to get an early start in order to visit with as many teachers and students as possible.

Jarry spoke with several third and fifth-grade students and explained to them the importance of math and science, especially when it comes to working in the weather career field.

"It is important for the kids to see other careers and to open their minds up to possibilities," said Tye. "As Lt. Col. Jarry went throughout the day with the students, I realized that our roles as far as leading are very similar and it has been a great opportunity to have him out here with us."

"While visiting the school I have found even more of a healthy respect for teachers and principals," said Jarry.

As Jarry visited different classrooms throughout the day, the students were excited and eager to learn from their Principal for a Day.