The Douglas County Education Foundation honored veterans who served in the military and the classroom during a May 24 event at Legacy Arena.
“Heroes Among Us" was hosted by Jonathan Slocumb, a sought-after actor/comedian who has
starred in films such as “Meet the Browns,” “The Wonder Years,” and “Churchy.” Slocumb is also the longest-running mainstage host at the “ESSENCE” festival held in New Orleans annually.
Grammy-nominated artist Ruben Studdard, best known for winning season two of American Idol, headlined the event with a soulful performance. He was joined by Georgia native Elijah Kelley, a talented entertainer known for his roles in film and television.
Also taking the stage was Paris Bennett, known professionally as “Princess P.” At just 4-feet-11 inches tall, Bennett delivered quite a performance. A successful Broadway performer, actor, and philanthropist, she brought both energy and versatility to the evening's lineup.
Dr. Nicole Oliver-Wynn, a five-year United States Navy veteran who served as Yeoman, was one of the school system’s honorees. Dr. Oliver-Wynn’s time in the Navy started in 1993, where she served aboard the USS Canopus and the USS Puget Sound. Dr. Oliver-Wynn’s contributions go far beyond her military service as she is the Advanced Placement Computer Science and Cybersecurity teacher, while also being the STEM coordinator at Lithia Springs High School. 
Recently, she has been part of a cohort developing Artificial Intelligence through Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Nicole Oliver-Wynn, we salute you!
Edward Bridges is an eight-year veteran of the United States Army and has been distinguished as an expert marksman. Following his service in the military, Bridges has decided to serve in a different way at South Douglas Elementary. His influence and spirit are undeniable. Bridges has built long-lasting relationships with students, staff, and the people of our community. Bridges has not only devoted his time to his country, the school system, but also to his family. Edward Bridges, we salute you!
Retired Sergeant First Class Jerry Flippin has served all around the world during his 20-year career in the United States Army. He served as a pharmacy specialist in Germany, California, Kansas, New York, and Texas. He also has served as an instructor at Fort Sam Houston. In recent years, Flippin has been teaching new and younger faces. He is now an ISS teacher at New Manchester High School and is also a coach for the Lady Jags Golf team. Flippin believes that education is not just about academics, but rather 
about building real-world skills and learning values. Sergeant First Class Flippin, we salute you!
Toni Franklin is a seven-year veteran of the United States Air Force, starting her career in 1985. Mrs. Franklin served as an Aerospace Food Service Technician and a Medical Laboratory Specialist. Following her retirement from the Air Force, Mrs. Franklin continued to serve, but instead of working on critical care for battle-wounded soldiers, she took her skills to the classroom. Franklin has worked in multiple schools across the Douglas County School System and is currently at Turner Middle School. Franklin is the science team lead, science department chair, 
and lead new teacher mentor. Franklin says she got into education to show female and minority students that it is okay to be independent and passionate. Franklin is also a breast cancer survivor who has celebrated over five years of being cancer-free. Toni Franklin, we salute you!
We salute these veterans for their service not just to our country, but to the Douglas County School System!