Paulding Retired Educators

Paulding Retired Educators held a breakfast meeting on March 14th at the First Baptist Church in Dallas. Marc Pedersen, a past recipient of a PREA scholarship, described the award winning program of the Academy of Science, Research and Medicine at PCHS. Pedersen has received state and national awards and shares his strategies nationwide. Students in the PCHS Academy have also excelled while publishing research and entering scientific competitions. These students are using newly emerging techniques such as environmental DNA, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and DNA barcoding of Georgia aquatic species. Sharrell McKnight, a counselor in Northwest Georgia for GeorgiaCares, spoke to members about the services GeorgiaCares provides. This organization provides free counseling for anyone who needs help in understanding Medicare benefits, making decisions about insurance options and becoming aware of the problems of Medicare fraud, error and abuse. Members made donations to Helping Hands of Paulding and the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy.

Left to right: Dustin Shelton, Assistant Principal at PCHS; Marc Pedersen, teacher in the Academy of Science, Research and Medicine at PCHS; Sharrell McKnight of GeorgiaCares; Joe Boland, GREA Regional Director; Brad Jones, District Manager of Association Member Benefits Advisors and Ricky Clemmons, PREA President