The staff at Atlantic City High School took a moment of reflection this week to remember a special letter written by Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, to the class of 1978. As the nation mourns the passing of Carter, known for his extensive humanitarian efforts spanning more than four decades after his presidency, the letter has taken on new significance.
“President Jimmy Carter’s legacy of peace and humanitarian efforts left a lasting impact on our country,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. La’Quetta S. Small. “Reflecting on his message reminds us of the impact he had on our students of that era and the broader community.”
Carter, who served as President from 1977 to 1981, transitioned from political life to becoming a global advocate for human rights, democracy, and health. His post-presidential work with The Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity has earned him widespread admiration and respect.
“To the students I ask that you do not close your eyes to a world of needs, but to go on and confront every challenge that you meet,” Carter wrote. “The challenge of tomorrow stands before you today.”
A funeral service was held on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. This followed a series of services at the U.S. Capitol, the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta and others in Plains, GA, the hometown of the former peanut farmer turned world leader. Carter sent his message for the 100thcommencement of Atlantic City High School.
“It was a heartfelt message that resonated with our students at the time,” said Director of Secondary Education Donald Harris. “President Carter’s words of encouragement and hope inspired many of our graduates to pursue lives of service.”
The letter, written during Carter’s time in the White House, was addressed to the graduating seniors of the class of 1978. It has been stored in the Atlantic City High School archive along with a bust specially commissioned for the 100th commencement. The high school has had an archive room for many years that contains time capsules and other artifacts placed there at the discretion of the district administration. When the current high school opened in 1994, the archive was given a bright, new space to display items of historical significance, such as trophies, retired sports jerseys and other memorabilia.
Ernest Cheatham, who teaches Art and Animation, and Tina Boyer-Hedelt, a school secretary, both graduated in the class of 1978. They stood in the archive room discussing how they felt when then President Carter sent the letter to their commencement ceremony.
Carter’s message had a profound impact on Ernest Cheatham, who is the Atlantic City High School Art and Animation teacher. “I kept this with me,” Cheatham said of Carter’s message. “I was only 18 at the time, and now I’m 65.” Cheatham has worked in the school district for nearly 20 years.
Tina Boyer-Hedelt, who is secretary to Vice Principal Samuel McGee, was also a member of the class of 1978. Boyer-Hedelt has been with the district for more than 15 years.
“It was a charge for us to live by, for us to help others, and not forget where we came from.” Boyer-Hedelt said. “Those words meant a lot. It was truly an amazing letter.”
The president congratulated then-Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jack Eisenstein and former Principal William A. Faunce. He also thanked former Vice Principals George Dennis, Carolyn Patterson and Charles Wagner.
“It is a time to recognize the men and women who have played such a great part in building what Atlantic City High School is today: an institution of learning that is second to none,” Carter wrote to the class of 1978.
Harris said the letter reveals, among other things, Carter’s high regard for education.
“It speaks volumes to the impact that President Carter had on this area as well,” Harris said. “This is something that is very historical and special to Atlantic City High School.”
