Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Dr. Ben Carson visited John Milledge Academy (JMA) Nov. 6 to read his book Why America Matters to the Lower School.
Growing up, Carson lived in a single-parent home in poverty and was taught by his mother to achieve success, according to the Carson Scholarship Fund website. Carson worked hard academically and personally to achieve what he is known for today. In 1973, Carson graduated from Yale University and went on to receive his M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School. He later became the chief of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, being the youngest major division director in the hospital’s history.
During his medical career, Carson worked both as a professor and as a surgeon, making waves in the future of medicinal knowledge. In 2016, Carson accepted the position of HUD secretary and served from 2017-21.
“Carson taught the students not only about his book but about his educational career,” said Clint Humphrey, JMA head of school. “He has a very inspirational story that I hope will encourage our students to continue to work for their own achievements and success.”
According to Humphrey, Carson spoke to all of the headmasters and heads of schools during the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) conference. President of GISA Dr. Jeff Jackson created a list of visitations for Carson based on this conversation and John Milledge Academy was one of many schools listed.
“I am very grateful to Dr. Jackson for including our school on Carson’s tour,” said Humphrey.
During his visit, Carson read Why America Matters to kindergarten through fifth grade. According to Google Books, it discusses the importance of the four pillars of the American Cornerstone Institute: faith, liberty, community, and life. Using rhymes and illustrations, the book aims to help young audiences understand “how our founding values continue with today’s patriotic Americans.”
“The book and its curriculum teaches about American History and how it’s a very rich history. It teaches how history is not all good but the importance of learning from them to not repeat the past,” said Humphrey.
Along with reading his book, Carson gave out free copies of the book to every student and an additional book for JMA’s library. Included with the book is a curriculum that JMA is already working to incorporate into its lessons next fall.
“We are grateful for Dr. Carson’s generosity in donating the book and curriculum,” said Humphrey. “We are in the process now with our curriculum instruction to see how we can implement his work into our lower school classrooms.”
While Humphrey could not say whether another visit would occur, he stated that JMA would be “very pleased” to see Carson visit the school again in the future.
“Carson has a unique story and he shared that with our students. It took one person, his mother, telling him that he was smart and believing in him that turned his educational career,” said Humphrey. “That is the sentiment he shares to each of the students he visits and having someone invest in them can be life-changing. It’s a great encouragement for our students.”