A new program being taught at two Bibb County schools is having a positive impact

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – On a spectacular, breezy September day our American flag and everything it stands for is proudly on full display for everyone to see outside of Ballard Hudson Middle School.

Eighth-grade student Ahyanna Turner already has a deep respect for the American flag saying, “It shows me how people have sacrificed fighting for us it makes me feel proud to be an American.”

Some students at Ballard Hudson Middle School are in a new Jr. Leadership CORPS Program. It’s like ROTC that teaches students about leadership, how to be a better student and productive citizen. Today, they are learning about flag etiquette.

Their teacher, Sgt. Michael Cockrell, is former military. He spent two tours in Iraq. He says seeing his students handle an American flag with such care touches his heart, “Because they now have a flag in their hand. It make me feel wonderful cause they have a flag they can understand it means freedom. The freedom there has been blood shed the things that have taken place in this country they can rest assured they have an understanding what the flag means to me.”

From a soldier who bravely put his life on the line, to students getting more than just an education, this american flag that ties all of us together appears to be in very good hands.

This is the first year for the program.

The Jr. Leadership CORPS Program is also being taught at Rutland Middle School.