We must be doing something different and right

The following E-mail message was sent out to the GMC Prep School faculty by Robert Gary Couch, Prep School Athletic Director. I thought it would be of interest to you who stood in many formations long ago.

I am not one to send out a lot of emails about things other than athletics. However, this morning as I saw the new and the old, students and teachers, stand together to greet a new day of school, I looked up in the beams of the new high school building being built to see one by one those workers stop what they were doing and watch the formation. These guys were laying concrete, which has to be done without waste, but they stopped to watch what we were doing. As the colors were raised, they each removed their hats and took part. I don't think this was something they were told to do. They didn't seem to be telling each other to stop and watch. It did appear they were watching something special. I would have to agree. We were all watching and participating in something special. You never know when someone is watching, and when we as a school can make an impact on others. Have a great first day, and every day.

New Prep School Building

A worker guides the final beam into place during the topping out ceremony at what will be Usery Hall, named after alumnus and former U.S. Labor Secretary W.J. Usery Jr.
This building stands where the old Vinson Hall and Main Barracks stood.
The final construction beam was installed Friday for the new prep school building being built on the historic campus of Georgia Military College. GMC President Maj. Gen. Peter Boylan presided over the installation of the building’s frame, along with alumnus and former United States Labor Secretary W.J. Usery Jr., who was keynote speaker for the event. The new facility will be named Usery Hall in his honor.

“No building topping off is more important than the three stories behind me,” Usery said to the assembled group. “This is where the next century will be educated. They will be able to look back on this building and be proud.”

Usery’s remarks came just before a crane hoisted the final beam into place. The beam had been signed by GMC cadets, employees and well-wishers. Usery led the crowd in applause as the beam was installed.
-The Union Recorder August 1, 2009