By Elliott Brack
Editor and publisher, GwinnettForum
MARCH 23, 2017 | Often some of the better ideas are so simple that we think: “Wonder why we did not think of that earlier?”
This came to mind when reading Tim Anderson’s column in the Fitzgerald Herald-Leader recently. Tim was writing about an idea he heard from Jenkins County Middle School in Millen.
Tim wrote: “It’s always refreshing to see common sense break out. I read last week about a program started in Millen at Jenkins County Middle School. School administrators have introduced their students to a nationwide program called No One Eats Alone.
“In the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, Fla. many experts are noting that isolation and bullying are leading contributors to school shooters’ actions. Eliminating isolation could go a long way toward solving this tragic problem. The thinking is that if the targets are people you know and people for whom you feel empathy or compassion because you have relationships, the trigger is less likely to be pulled.
“The program is just what its name implies. Students are encouraged to sit together and interact with students they may not know in order to put an end to social isolation.
“Middle school is a great place to start that program. Few places have the angst and daily drama of middle school. Young preteens and teens are facing enormous peer pressure and are attempting to define themselves as people while battling the hormonal and emotional roller coaster of their age group. Fitting in is tough. Some student comments indicate many kids are unaware that the isolation is going on.
“Students learn icebreakers and ways to connect with their peers. Experts say the program can teach students empathy and caring for other people, making school a healthier, more friendly environment. Students will learn the skill of connection and take it with them into high school, possibly vastly improving their education experience.
“It just makes so much sense. What do we all remember about school? Our friends and social interactions for sure. And if we were bullied or isolated, we remember the pain of it. I think No One Eats Alone could be a life-changer.”
Thanks, Tim, for spotting what could be a really worthwhile program for many schools, students and communities!
THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA WEBSITE last week told of losing another legendary figure. This time it hit home to me, for it was telling of the death of John Donaldson, 92, whom I knew personally.
Donaldson was a native of and the long-time coach of Jesup High School, where he won two state championships as a football coach, in 1954 and again in 1959.
Afterward, he was first an assistant football coach at the University of Florida, and then spent two long stints as an assistant coach with Vince Dooley at the University of Georgia. As a player, he had been in the backfield with Georgia’s legendary Charlie Trippi.
When Donaldson brought home a football helmet and told his wife, the former Anne Cappleman, also of Jesup, that Dooley wanted a new “G” logo for the helmet, she got to work. A graphic design major, Anne got inspiration from the CBS “Eye” logo, and the new “G” was born, still used by the Bulldogs today.
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