On behalf of Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods, the Georgia Department of Education has awarded Valdosta Middle School the prestigious Military Flagship School designation. The Military Flagship School Distinction started in 2021 and has grown to 69 schools around the state of Georgia. According to the Georgia Board of Education website:
“The Military Flagship School Award recognizes schools that go above and beyond to provide a supportive environment for military students and families. These schools specifically reach out to military families and identify and accommodate their unique needs.”
A Ceremony celebrating this event took place April 16, 2025 in the gymnasium at Valdosta Middle School. Many local dignitaries from the community were present to partake in this ceremony. The event started with patriotic music from the Valdosta Middle Band. The Valdosta High School ROTC followed with the Presentation of Colors. The Valdosta Middle Chorus next led the crowd in the singing of the National Anthem. VMS student, Lillie Butzin, continued with the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Sharon Breedon, a member of the Valdosta Middle School Flagship Committee, finished the opening with an inspirational Invocation.
Andy Gibbs, Chairman of the Flagship Committee, emceed the event. He started by introducing special guest Dr. Lucy Greene. Dr. Greene and her late husband, Parker, were instrumental in supporting Moody Air Force Base’s mission to remain in Valdosta when many bases were closing 30 years ago. Dr. Greene is still a staunch supporter of Moody Air Force Base and its families. Dr. Greene helped lead the crowd in a cheer, giving respect to the Flying Tigers of Moody with “Tigers Lead.” She then shifted the cheer to a Valdosta City Schools cheer “Cats Lead!”
Next, on behalf of Superintendent Woods, Rachale LeVoie from the Department of Education presented the Military Flagship School Award to Mr. Fandel, Valdosta Middle School’s Principal. The school was presented a banner that will proudly be displayed in the school’s entrance.
The final part of the presentation was different representatives giving remarks. Deputy Superintendent of Valdosta City Schools, Dr. Tret Witherspoon, congratulated Valdosta Middle School on its great accomplishment. Mayor Scott Matheson echoed those sentiments. County Commissioner Scottie Orenstein spoke on how proud he was to have a direct connection with Valdosta Middle School and the hard work VMS has done. Jody Redding from Governor Kemp’s office gave a small congratulations followed by a short congratulatory video from Governor Kemp. Charles White from Representative Austin Scott’s office read a letter from Mr. Scott. Madison Winterstein, a sixth grade student and daughter of an Active Air Force Member, spoke on her experiences with how Military children are welcomed at Valdosta Middle School. The final remarks were given by State Representatives Dexter Sharper, John Corbett, and Russ Goodman.
The Ceremony concluded with Principal Fandel presenting a check to Rachale LeVoie from the Georgia Department of Education a check for $1500 for the Wounded Warrior Project.
The Valdosta Middle School Military Flagship Committee consists of Andy Gibbs, Gene Fandel, Clay Brindger, Shelton Mobley, Dr. Sharon Breedon, Amy Turnmeyer, Stephen Page, and James Beckman.
Valdosta City Schools is proud to have two Military Flagship Schools. Sallas Mahone Elementary was awarded this distinction during the 2023-24 school year.