St. Genevieve Parish Schools’ Unlikely Friendship with Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter
The school’s president-principal, Dan Horn, reflected on the long-standing relationship between St. Genevieve Parish Schools in Panorama City and former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday.
A Special Bond
The friendship began when Horn wrote to Rosalynn Carter after reading her autobiography and received a handwritten response. This initial exchange marked the start of a relationship that would span decades, with visits and correspondence between the Carters and the school.
A Personal Connection
Horn described Jimmy Carter as a "man of faith and integrity" and praised his dedication to the school’s character education program. He recalled the former president’s visits to the school, where he would watch Sunday school classes and engage with students, saying, "He was genuinely special."
A Lasting Legacy
The school plans to honor Carter’s memory with a special ceremony or event, which will be announced when ready. Horn hopes to attend Carter’s funeral, if invited, and has represented the school at Mrs. Carter’s funeral in 2023.
A School Family
The Carters’ affection for the school extended beyond Horn to the faculty and students. The St. Genevieve High School Alumni Facebook page shared a post paying tribute to Carter, saying, "The bond that President Carter had with St. Genevieve Parish, school and high school is amazing. He will be missed."
A Unique Friendship
Horn emphasized that the relationship between the Carters and St. Genevieve Parish Schools was unparalleled, saying, "Never before in history has there been a relationship between a president and a school that he did not attend that goes as deep and as intimate as this one."
Conclusion
The bond between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter and St. Genevieve Parish Schools will be remembered as a testament to the power of kindness, compassion, and dedication. As Horn reflected, "It was an uncanny relationship, unlike any other."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did the relationship between the Carters and St. Genevieve Parish Schools begin?
A: The relationship began when Dan Horn wrote to Rosalynn Carter after reading her autobiography and received a handwritten response.
Q: What was Jimmy Carter’s connection to St. Genevieve Parish Schools?
A: Jimmy Carter was a strong supporter of the school’s character education program and would often visit the school to watch Sunday school classes and engage with students.
Q: How did the Carters celebrate Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday?
A: The school celebrated Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday with an assembly, which was recorded for him, and a video message from the students.
