Students and teachers from Matilda Harris Elementary School recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the readoption ceremony between their school and the crews of USS West Virginia (SSBN 736). Photo by Georgie Best

USS West Virginia, school renew Personal Excellence Partnership

By Georgie Best
Periscope Staff

Students, educators and parents of Matilda Harris Elementary took time recently to honor America's veterans and the crews of USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) during a re-adoption ceremony for their combined involvement in the Navy's Personal Excellence Partnership program.

''We appreciate everything USS West Virginia does for us, and it is an honor to celebrate our re-adoption around the Veterans Day holiday,'' said Joseph Goble, the school's principal.

Those on hand from the boat echoed Goble's sentiments about the renewed partnership.

''Matilda Harris is the best school and USS West Virginia has been their partner in education since 1991,'' said Cmdr. Douglas Arnold, West Virginia Blue's commanding officer. ''We look forward to continuing that partnership with a new Sailor of the Month program.''

The celebration continued with a presentation of arms demonstration by MM3(SS) Joshua Alexander and MM3(SS) Earl Riggs and patriotic songs by the school choir. The USS West Virginia also presented a framed photo of the submarine. Both groups formally acknowledged their re-adoption by signing the Personal Excellence Partnership Certificate to be displayed by the command and school.

''Being in the military I find that separation from family is the hardest,'' said Cmdr. Randy Crites, West Virginia Gold's commanding officer. ''We are thankful for teachers, students and parents like you who are willing to support us.''

Commands from NSB Kings Bay have adopted 15 schools in Camden County and Yulee, Fla. Volunteers have participated in landscaping, field days, tutoring, mentoring, science fairs, school lunch programs, and wherever they were needed.

''I would like to thank USS West Virginia for their help, time, and service to the future leaders of our community and I commend you for what you do for our country and our world,'' said Kingsland Mayor Kenneth Smith.

For more information on the Personal Excellence Partnership and other Navy community service programs, contact Georgie Best at 573-4960.