05/08/2026
Great things are happening in our community and at McIntosh Middle School! 🌟⚓
This year, through McIntosh GROWS, we launched our very first Anchor Up mentoring program and culminated the year with a Mini Amazing Shake inspired by the incredible work of the Ron Clark Academy Amazing Shake program.
Throughout the school year, our mentors worked alongside students to build confidence, communication skills, manners, leadership, social skills, professionalism, and hope for the future. Watching these students grow, step outside their comfort zones, shake hands confidently, think on their feet, and believe in themselves has been something truly special.
We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to the administration and staff at McIntosh Middle School for welcoming and supporting this program throughout the school year — especially Principal Scott Brooker and Vice Principal Ami Hulett. Thank you for believing in the value of investing in students beyond the classroom and allowing us the opportunity to build this program within your school community.
And most importantly, we are incredibly proud of our students/mentees. Thank you for showing up, stepping outside your comfort zones, encouraging one another, working hard, and growing in confidence throughout this journey. Your willingness to learn, lead, and challenge yourselves made this program meaningful and successful.
A HUGE thank you to our full-time mentors who invested in these students all year long: Judy Dodd (DDA), Tom Draffin (MCIDA), Father Mike Gumulauskas, Maria Hane, Kate Pontello Karwacki (County Commissioner / Seaboard Real Estate), Sharon Long, Dionne Lovette (CRC), Ken Logue, Diane Martin, Jackie Mull, Megan Pittman (ECS Group), Rusty Quarterman, Micheal Ransom (Renasant Bank), Chad Simpson, and Byron Vaught.
And thank you to the mentors who joined us as the program gained momentum: Dr. Bob Cobb, Linda Gravitt, Jennifer High (High Tide Wings), Gretchen Logue, Jean Tinnin and Dana Vaught,.
We are also incredibly grateful to the amazing community leaders and volunteers who stepped in to lead Challenge Stations during the Mini Amazing Shake: Scott Barrett (Chick-fil-A, Margot Bragg (Howard Lumber), Joshua Dorminy (Roden Law), Jennifer High (High Tide Wings) , Tonya LaBrooy (Nautical Treasures), Mayor Pro Tem Griffin Lotson, County Commissioner Roger Lotson , Dionne Lovett (Coastal Regional Commission of Georgia), Prissy McLaine (CTAE Director McIntosh County Schools) Dr. Ande Notkes (Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship), Holden Osburn (City Manager), Lori Peacock (Golden Isles Gourmet Popcorn & Pretzels), Melissa Smith (Southeastern Bank), Ellis Tucker (Southeastern Bank), Brian Weese (GICCA), and Todd Willis (McIntosh County Academy - MCA Principal).
Special thanks as well to our generous supporters who helped make the Mini Amazing Shake and celebration luncheon possible: Darien Downtown Development Authority, Judy Dodd, Southeastern Bank, and T.R. Long Engineering.
This program would not be possible without a community willing to pour into the next generation. We are incredibly grateful for every mentor, volunteer, donor, educator, and supporter who helped make this first year such a success.
The future is bright for these students — and this is only the beginning. ⚓💙
