By Lt. j.g. Bobby Dixon
USS Gravely Public Affairs
NORFOLK - Thirteen Sailors from USS Gravely (DDG 107) went back to school Sept. 2, visiting with students at their namesake elementary in Haymarket, Va.
The crewmembers spent the day at the Samuel L. Gravely Elementary welcoming back the 880 teachers, staff and students as part of an ongoing partnership between the crew and the school.
“We just love when our Sailors come visit us,” said first-grade teacher Laura Moose.
The Sailors arrived early for the busy, first day back to school. They divided themselves into two teams: one team met students as they departed buses and the other team was stationed at the curbside drop-off point. As students arrived at the two locations, they were met with smiles and high fives from a Gravely Sailor who then escorted them to class.
Once the children were in their classrooms, Sailors walked room-to-room, sharing sea stories and answering questions about themselves, their ship and the Navy. One parent stated how excited his daughter gets when she hears that the Sailors are at the school. The Sailors enjoy the visit as well.
“This is my second time visiting Gravely Elementary. Each time I have gone, parents and students alike say how much they love us being there and they always ask when we are coming back,” said Lt. j.g. Bobby Dixon. “It is always encouraging to me to see their excitement when we return.”
In addition to escorting the students, crewmembers participated in classroom instruction, art and music lessons, and played basketball, football, and other playground activities throughout the day.
Fire Controlman 2nd Class Bruce Harry has been to Gravely Elementary almost every time the ship has sent a group up to the Northern Virginia School. He has fond memories of each visit, along with how wonderful it was to host the students when they attended the ship’s commissioning ceremony, how proud the crew was to be able to show them their brand new ship.
“Of all the trips I’ve made to Gravely Elementary, this trip had the most positive engagement with the students and staff,” said Harry.”
Gravely Elementary School was built seven years ago and named in honor of Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely, who is remembered for being a trailblazer for all minorities, rapidly rising through the ranks of the officer corps. His accomplishments include being the first African-American to assume command of a ship, a fleet, and first ever to attain the rank of vice admiral.
His widow, Alma Gravely, is the ship’s sponsor and lives near the school. She remains very active in school activities and recently had a new reading room there named in her honor.
"Gravely Elementary is a great partner and we value their sponsorship,” said Dixon. “Their support during deployment was very encouraging for the Sailors that opened up all the letters and boxes that we received. We look forward to returning this winter for another day at the school."
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” said Angela Owens, the school’s principal. “I cannot tell you how much it meant to me, the staff, and all the students that you all came to visit us.”
| Date Taken: | 09.02.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.15.2014 14:22 |
| Story ID: | 142192 |
| Location: | NORFOLK , VA, US |
| Web Views: | 76 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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