BY LISA PERKINS
TRAVERSE CITY -- Be safe. Be respectful. Be responsible.
The words of Vice Admiral John P. Currier, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Coast Guard and Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., echoed Traverse Heights Elementary's positive behavior motto when he visited the school last week.
"You are our future," said Currier, who has been a member of the United States Coast Guard for 34 years and previously served at Air Station Traverse City, as he spoke to the upper elementary grade level students.
"You have to learn the fundamentals to be successful, whether you want to be a nurse, firefighter, football player or farmer, learning to be respectful and doing your best will help you be successful," Currier said.
Visiting the school that partners with Air Station Traverse City through the U.S. Coast Guard's Adopt-a-School program, Currier told students why doing well in school and studying hard can be the key to their future.
"It is important that you start today, listen in class and be respectful to your teachers and your fellow students, your future is right here in front of you," he said.
Through the Adopt-a-School partnership that began in October, U.S. Coast Guard volunteers visit the school on a weekly basis as recess buddies to promote physical fitness, cooperation and respect. Members also participate in school-wide recognition lunches and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.
"It has been a wonderful partnership with students being exposed to really good adult role models, having positive interaction with adults," said Jenny Smith, Traverse Heights Elementary school behavior interventionist.
Air Station Traverse City has committed to providing enhanced educational opportunities and career awareness through direct participation in school activities. Vice Admiral Currier was pleased to help his former post carry out that commitment.
"Traverse City is one of the nicest towns in America to grow up in, I'm always glad to come back here," he said.
In addition to visiting Traverse Heights Elementary School, Currier conducted an official unit visit and received briefings on the Traverse City area from Traverse City Area Public School leadership and local community members.
