AMERICUS — While in Americus for a Grand Youth Officer’s Retreat, the Officers of the Prince Hall Grand Chapter and the Prince Hall Youth Chapter traveled to Plains for a tour of the Jimmy Carter National Historic site. The group of nineteen was greeted by A.B. Jackson-Merritt, Gary Ingram, Sen. George Hooks, and Jimmy Bagwell, Ph.D.. They assembled at the Boyhood Farm of President Carter where park employees, Gabriele Laster, LaDarrious Barron, and Tabitha Thompson gave a very detailed tour of the grounds and house. The youth were quite interested in everything shared by the tour guides and had a host of questions. At the end of the tour, everyone was given a bag of boiled peanuts and an opportunity to pick an ear of corn. The group next toured the Plains High School. Bagwell shared memories of both President Carter and himself of childhood events in the community and at the school. Bagwell further captured the interest of everyone with a vivid recollection of Mrs. Julia’s class, followed by a short film on President Carter.

Afterward, the group ate a wonderfully prepared meal at Mom’s Kitchen. After lunch, the group went across the street to tour the Plains Train Depot, the Bed & Breakfast, and other shops. The last leg of the tour was a stop at the Welcome Center.

Representing the group were the following people: Marilyn Moore, Grand Worthy Matron; Eddie Lee Marsh, Grand Youth Director; Mary A. James, Grand Youth Secretary; O’terica Tift, Grand Youth President; Nylea Hayes, Grand Youth President; Nytese Lemons, Grand Youth Assistant Conductor; Stephanie Knight, Grand Youth Treasurer; Quaniqua Epps, Grand Youth Assistant Treasurer; Cortez Harris, Grand Youth Chaplain; Nicholas Clements, Grand Youth Assistant Chaplain; Thomas McIver, Grand Youth Guardian; Adriel Evans and Ivan Adams, Grand Youth Sentinels; Tajae Smith, Grand Youth Marshal, Brenda Carswell; Sherri Davis; Hazel McIver; Faye Butts; Josephine Simpson, District Worthy Matron #14- Americus Hosting Committee; A.B. Jackson-Merritt, Council Member of Plains and Touring Chair Person; Alice R. Muff, committee member; Katie Johnson, committee member; Gary Felder, committee member; and Oneida W. Ingram.