Gentner Drummond made a special return visit to Perry Lower Elementary last week, once again spending time with students and staff and sharing his appreciation for the school’s culture and community.
This marked AG Drummond’s second visit to the school. He first stopped by last year while in Perry for a town hall meeting, taking time out of his schedule to read to students. During that visit, he observed the school’s daily morning practices, including the pledge to both the American flag and the Oklahoma flag, as well as a moment of silence. Drummond shared that he was very impressed with the respect and focus students demonstrated during these routines. He expressed how much he enjoyed being in the school and indicated he hoped to return in the future.
True to his word, Drummond visited Perry Lower Elementary during his latest trip, while he was in town to visit Ditch Witch. He spent time with first grade students, the same group he visited last year. He read them a story and spent time visiting with them. Drummond noted how impressed he was with their manners and attentiveness both during and after the story.
Lower Elementary Principal Jennifer Shields shared, “Mr. Drummond said he could tell from seeing students and teachers interact that we had a great culture here.” Drummond also offered words of encouragement about the impact of strong schools and dedicated educators.
“Visiting Perry Elementary was a great reminder that strong schools are the foundation of strong communities,” Drummond said. “Our educators are shaping the next generation of Oklahomans every single day, and the bright, hardworking students I met in Perry are proof that our future is in good hands. Their enthusiasm for learning, along with the dedication of their teachers, is critical to preparing the next generation for success.”
School leaders said they were grateful for the visit and the opportunity for students to interact with a state official in such a positive and personal way. Drummond indicated he would likely return again in the future, continuing a growing connection with Perry Lower Elementary.