05-14-09 Marquez Souder Wins Essay Contest Is Sheriff for a Day

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is very active in the local school system providing a variety of educational programs.  These programs are designed to increase student awareness of the daily responsibilities of the local Sheriff’s Office and the work carried on by that branch of law enforcement.  During the May 4^th McDonough City Council meeting, Mayor Billy Copeland recognized and congratulated Henry County Middle School 7^th grader, Marquez Souder, for winning the Sheriff’s essay competition entitled ‘If I Was Sheriff for a Day.’ 

     Sheriff’s Deputy Tammy Cannon and Major David Foster were also in attendance for the presentation of the Certificate of Recognition to Marquez by the Mayor.  Deputy Cannon described this year’s winner as a wonderful young man.  “He is very intelligent and has a very bright future ahead of him”, she stated.  “We would like to recruit him now.”  Major Foster noted, “We are very proud of all the kids that participated in this effort.  He added, “Sheriff Keith McBrayer is totally committed to the school programs.”  We have several Deputies assigned to schools conducting various programs in grades 2 through 6.

     Councilmember Gail Notti, one of Marquez’s teachers at HCMS, was extremely proud of her Social Studies student.  Upon learning that “one of her kids” had won, she explained that she literately jumped up and down with joy.  “Councilmember Notti is truly dedicated to these kids,” said Deputy Cannon.  “She really did jump for joy.”

     For one day, Henry County had the distinction of having an outstanding “junior” Sheriff.  Sheriff McBrayer went as far as swearing Marquez in as Sheriff for a day and presenting him with a badge of his own.  Deputy Cannon reported that their new Sheriff was taken on a tour of the jail and sat in on some court cases.  “This is a way the Sheriff’s Office can impact these kids in a positive way,” said Deputy Cannon.  “We emphasis the importance of staying in school and keeping grades up,” she added.

     Marquez really seemed to enjoy his day as Sheriff.  “It was an honor to have my essay chosen from all those sent in,” stated the winner.  “I enjoyed spending time at the Sheriff’s Office, and I enjoyed the tour of the jail.  I also got to see how courts work which was interesting.”  Marquez stated that he wished to thank all the people at the Sheriff’s Office for the day.  “I also want to tell them ‘thank you’ for all the programs they have in the schools,” said the young scholar now relieved of his duties as the County’s “top gun” in the Sheriff’s Office.

     (L-R) Major David Foster and Deputy Tammy Cannon, with the Sheriff’s Office; Councilmember Gail Notti; the honoree’s mother Teresa Connell; honoree Marquez Souder; and Mayor Billy Copeland are shown at the Council meeting recognizing Marquez for his winning essay.  Seated in the background, second from right, is Councilmember Sandra Vincent.

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