SAN DIEGO, Calif. – In support of American Education Week, Nov. 11 through 15, Kumeyaay Elementary hosted its’ first Educator for a Day event and invited Col. John P. Farnam, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, to take on the role of teacher Nov. 15.
Multiple local community leaders were invited to participate, and with the largest sub group of the school being military children, Farnam gladly accepted the invitation.
“We have a 20 percent military children student population, and because of that, we’re so excited to have Col. Farnam here,” said Maria Montgomery, the principal of Kumeyaay Elementary.
Farnam smiled upon seeing all the students who wanted to share their knowledge with him.
The children love talking to him whether it was a student interested in the military or students who wanted to share what they were learning. He always seemed so happy and interested in learning, added Montgomery.
Many educators could not be happier that Farnam came to event.
“We’re so lucky to have him here,” said Laura Dewan, clinician for the operations student success grant and a San Diego native. “I know he’s under great demand but he has such a passion for children.”
Farnam greeted every child he saw with a warm hello.
“It was great getting to be out in town and being able to work with these people and the kids. It’s nice to see kids so enthusiastic about their education,” said Farnam. “Our nation needs people who are engaged and educated, and that’s what these kids are.”
The school intends to make this an annual event, and participates agreed that events like this need to continue.
“We get wrapped up and get worried about elections and work, but the truth is these kids are what our future is all about,” said Farnam “I can’t wait to do this again.”