During a recent government meeting, President Hodge opened with a moment of silence for the victims of a tragic incident at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, emphasizing the importance of community support in times of crisis.

Chief Campbell was acknowledged for the critical role of responders, highlighting that merely holding a badge is insufficient; active response is essential. The discussion then shifted to the vital contributions of educators, who were praised for their foundational role in society despite often lacking recognition and financial rewards.

The speaker articulated that the profession of education is both challenging and underappreciated, describing it as a \"thankless position.\" They emphasized the importance of educators feeling valued and recognized, referencing the Latin phrase \"es non verdi,\" which translates to \"to be, not to seem.\"

The meeting concluded with gratitude expressed towards the Normandy Schools Collaborative family for their resilience and commitment since the school year began, despite facing challenges such as enrollment issues and new initiatives. The speaker also thanked various community organizations for their support, reinforcing the theme of unity and recognition within the educational community.