VITAL POLICY – Dr. Monty Sharp Facilitates Medal of Honor Character Development Training for Jefferson County High School Staff
Patriotism Among the Lessons Emphasized
Pictured above with Dr. Amy Sharp, and Dr. Monty Sharp is Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams, Iwo Jima (Volcanic Islands), medal action date, February 23, 1945, citation linked here: Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams | World War II | U.S. Marine Corps Reserve | Medal of Honor Recipient (cmohs.org)
Critics of public schools often point to the lack of patriotic education and the absence of character-related values in school curriculum. These pundits would have one less thing to complain about if they spent one afternoon with Dr. Monty Sharp, Assistant Principal, Jefferson County High School, or witnessed 2000 students reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of second period class each day.
Dr. Sharp
It was Dr. Sharp that recently facilitated the certification of the faculty at Jefferson County High School in the Medal of Honor Character Development Program, an in-service event that was described by one veteran teacher as “the most useful and meaningful in-service training session of my teaching career.” The Congressional Medal of Honor Society (CMOHS) provides K-12 training materials, on-line resources, and in-person teacher training at no cost to the school system.
“The Medal of Honor Character Development Program is a free resource which teaches courage, commitment, integrity, sacrifice, citizenship, and patriotism to students through educationally grounded lessons developed by teachers for teachers. These six values are embodied in the Medal of Honor and exemplified in the actions for which it has been awarded.” – Congressional Medal of Honor Society
The following statement was provided by Dr. Sharp for this article:
“The success and positive impact on our faculty here at Jefferson County High School and Patriot Academy of the Medal of Honor Character Development Program cannot be over-stated, and our teachers are extremely excited to implement the foundational concepts offered in this program to our students. Our young people are eagerly embracing the pillars of the MOHCDP: Courage, Integrity, Commitment, Sacrifice, Citizenship, and Patriotism, and I truly believe that these ideals are something that all generations of Americans can benefit from. Who better to learn these concepts from than our nation’s greatest heroes? The implementation of the program was easy and convenient, and it is strictly free of charge. The Medal of Honor Society provides everything from training booklets to pads and pens. Lunch and breakfast were also provided by the MOHS. The trained instructors were pleasant, patient, and receptive, and the entire training is completed in just one day. There have been many opportunities in my educational career to be involved in wonderful and rewarding things for our young people, but this is at the very top of the list. I would encourage any school system across the nation to become involved in this exciting program.”
– Dr. Monty Sharp
In 2014, English teacher and veteran’s advocate Misty Gray organized an effort to certify a small number of teachers in the Medal of Honor Character Development; and facilitated two medal recipients to make an appearance at Jefferson County High School, Colonel Jay Vargas and Colonel Hal Fritz.
A link to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Character Development page is provided here for anyone that wishes to learn more about the free resources that are now available to Jefferson County students.
David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, and current Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level.
