Perry Lower Elementary students recently welcomed a special visitor when Perry High School graduate Jeffrey Brand stopped by to spend time with the school’s second-grade classes during leave from the United States Navy.
Brand, a 2024 graduate of Perry High School and the son of Russell and Angela Brand, visited the second-grade classrooms to share a love of reading and connect with students. Because the second grade classes are currently studying the ocean, an ocean-themed book, Who’s Afraid of the Light?, was chosen for him to read with the students.
For the young students, the visit provided an opportunity to hear a story from someone who grew up right here in Perry and is now serving his country. Brand has been a member of the U.S. Navy for nearly two years and is currently stationed in Virginia.
His Navy career will soon take him to a new assignment in Hawaii, where his title and duties will change. He will serve as an AM3, Aviation Structural Mechanic Petty Officer Third Class.
While home in Perry, Brand made a point of visiting each Perry Public Schools site to reconnect with teachers who played a role in his education. His return to the schools is a meaningful reminder that the relationships formed in our classrooms can continue long after students graduate.
PPS is proud to see graduates pursue their goals and take time to give back to the community that helped shape them.
We are incredibly proud of Airman Brand and grateful for his service to our country. We wish him continued success as he begins this next chapter of his Navy career in Hawaii!