Richlands Elementary Adopted by MALS-26

On Friday, January 31, Richlands Elementary School became the 33rd school in OCS, and the last of Onslow's elementary schools, to be adopted by a military unit, as they marked the official start of their partnership with MCAS New River's MALS-26. 

The Adopt-a-School program promotes mutually beneficial relationships between the military and schools by allowing military units to “adopt” a school. Units support schools through volunteering at school events, test monitoring, providing mentorship, and more. Schools can show their support for their unit during the holidays and during times of deployment.   

Friday's exciting ceremony brought together dozens of students, Marines, and district officials. The colors were presented by the unit's color guard, the audience enjoyed a performance by the Marine Corps band, an RES student sang a beautiful rendition of "God Bless the USA," and the school exchanged a vow of support with representatives from MALS-26. 

The unit's commanding officer, LtCol Michael Bryant, said that the partnership was an exciting opportunity for the schools to have access to the Marines' help, for the Marines to have an impact on the nation's next generation of servicemembers and leaders, and for Marines, educators and students alike to be reminded that we all have a part to play in maintaining our freedom. 

In her remarks, RES Principal Dr. Corinne Edwards, said, "The purpose of our adoption today is to foster a deeper connection between us. This partnership is not just a symbolic gesture, but a commitment to mutual support, respect, and understanding. It is an opportunity for our students to learn about the values of discipline, honor, and service, which serving in the military embodies." 
"This adoption is the beginning of a strong and lasting relationship that will benefit us all in our mission to inspire the next generation of leaders."