Albuquerque Public Schools
Students, Staff at Jimmy Carter Middle Honor Late President
Activities aimed at educating students about his legacy.
Kind. Courageous. Noble. Humble.
Someone who persevered.
Those are the words eighth graders at Jimmy Carter Middle School used Wednesday morning to describe the man their school was named after as the nation prepares to lay him to rest.
James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th president of the United States, died at his Georgia home on Dec. 29. He was 100.
Following his presidency, Carter devoted his life to humanitarian work like Habitat for Humanity, fighting disease and pushing for free and fair elections around the world. He was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his work in 2002.
Students at Jimmy Carter Middle have been learning about the former president over the last week.
“President Carter lived an amazing life and left an extraordinary legacy,” said Principal Michelle Velasquez. “His life exemplified service, integrity and a commitment to making the world a better place.”
Velasquez noted that while her school is named after Carter, many of the school’s staff weren’t even born when his presidency ended in 1981. Nevertheless, she said, “we wanted to honor that legacy by having our staff and students participate in meaningful activities throughout the week, everything from watching short videos about his life and achievements to writing letters to individuals in our community to encourage them or express our gratitude.”
Eighth graders in Dean of Students Jean Marie Baca Villa’s advisory class were among those who took on the task of writing letters. After watching a short video on Carter, they were asked to reflect on Carter as a person – not as a president, or politician – and to come up with a word that described him.
“Kind-hearted,” one group volunteered.
In the spirit of that kindness, students put pen to paper and wrote letters of thanks or encouragement to individuals at their school. Some wrote to teachers, classmates and the principal. One eighth-grader wrote to a sixth-grader who he mentors.
The assignment echoed back to another letter that hangs in the school’s office.
Nine years ago, it was Carter writing a letter to the students and staff at Jimmy Carter Middle, a memento the school had matted and framed.
“While you are in school, you will encounter learning opportunities that you may never have again,” Carter wrote. “Enjoy them and take advantage of all of them!”
He concluded his letter with a poignant statement.
“The future of our great nation will soon be in the hands of fine young people like you, and a good education is the best preparation for tomorrow’s leaders.”