Sumter Museum For Service
Museo de Servicio en el condado de Sumter, Georgia
Embedded Files
On April 25, 2025, Furlow Charter School will host a special recognition ceremony and dedicate banners for
Valerie Duff, Marcus Johnson, Elena Lorenz, and Judy Parks
at 8:30 am in Furlow's media center.
In collaboration with the National Museum and Center for Service:
Why a museum?
Service to others has always been and will always be at the core of the American spirit and character, but there are no nationally designated museums or memorials to recognize and honor service in all its forms.
We need such places.
At a time when the American people are searching for shared values and a common purpose, coming together to celebrate the spirit of service can help us transcend our divisions and remind us of what our nation is at its very best.
Learn about students and community members in Sumter County who are unifying and inspiring America through their shared value of service.
Learn about students and community members in Sumter County who are unifying and inspiring America through their shared value of service.
Addison Drinnon presented the museum project at the 250 & Beyond Service Symposium in Washington, D.C. on October 9, 2024.
Furlow Charter School's Service Learning Scholar Natalya Larkin with Sheriff Eric Bryant.
Furlow Charter School's Service Learning Scholar Natalya Larkin with Sheriff Eric Bryant.
May 2024
Furlow Charter School's Middle School Scholar Owen Williams gave the dedication for Chief Mark Scott.
Furlow Charter School's Middle School Scholar Owen Williams gave the dedication for Chief Mark Scott.
May 2024
Students Recognizing Servant Leadership Throughout Their Community
Valerie Duff
Valerie Duff
“Start with something you love, whether it be kids, quilts, or something else—go where God and your heart lead you, and in doing so, make a meaningful impact and help those in need.”
- Valerie Duff
Valerie Duff’s deep dedication to service to school systems in Sumter County laid the foundation for her continued commitment to her community after retirement. After decades of shaping young minds and leading schools to academic success, she transitioned her passion for service into new avenues, such as founding the Grateful Threads Sewing Guild. Under her leadership, the guild has created quilts and handmade items for cancer patients, foster children, veterans, and the elderly. Valerie encourages others to follow their passions, as she has done throughout her life, believing that service is not just a calling but a vital part of both her career and personal fulfillment.
Marcus Johnson
Marcus Johnson
"No one can do everything, but everyone can do something."
-Marcus Johnson
Growing up in Americus, Marcus Johnson developed a deep passion for serving others, inspired by the example set by those around him and the kindness and support he received from the community. His commitment to helping his community has shaped both his personal and professional life, particularly in his role at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. With values of hard work, kindness, and respect guiding him, Marcus is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those he serves. He encourages others to find their path in community service, believing that making a positive impact starts with following what you’re passionate about.
Elena Carné Lorenz
Elena Carné Lorenz
"Like a needle and thread weaving through fabric, every act of service stitches hope, strength, and connection into the fabric of our communities."
-Elena Carné Lorenz
Elena Carné Lorenz is a Venezuelan-American entrepreneur, owner, and creative force behind T31™ Design House & Alterations, a design and sewing contractor business based in Americus, Georgia. In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Elena works as a Migrant Student Support Provider at the Sumter County School System, helping to support and empower migrant students.
Elena’s journey is defined by resilience, creativity, and dedication. She shared her experiences of perseverance in a TEDx talk on “Perseverance and Creativity” and was honored to speak at the White House during Hispanic Heritage Month. Her contributions to the Hispanic small business community earned her recognition as one of the Most Influential Latinos in Georgia.
With a foundation of faith, kindness, and determination, Elena continues to live out her dreams through her service to the community, where every stitch she makes reflects a story of hope, resilience, and a deep commitment to supporting others.
Judy Parks
Judy Parks
"Find your place to 'shine,' and let your light radiate as you serve those around you, using your unique gifts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others."
-Judy Parks
A native of Cairo, GA, and a retired Sumter County educator, Judy Parks dedicates her life to using her talents to serve others. After earning degrees in Early Childhood and Music Education, she moved to Sumter County, where she became a music educator at Sumter County Primary School and Furlow Charter School. As a pastor’s wife and church pianist, much of her service centers around church, school, and children. Her most memorable service projects involved taking students into the community to share their musical gifts with those in need, including performing at local senior adult facilities, colleges, and community events.
Eleanor Rosalynn Smith Carter
On February 27, 2024,
Rosalynn Smith Carter was honored as the first inductee into
Furlow Charter School's Service Museum
for Sumter County, Georgia.
This student created project is coordinated in partnership with the National Museum and Center for Service.
El 27 de febrero de 2024,
Rosalynn Smith Carter fue honrado como la primera integrante
del Museo de Servicio de Furlow Charter School
para el condado de Sumter, Georgia.
Este proyecto fue creado por estudiantes y está coordinado en colaboración con el Museo Nacional y el Centro de Servicio.
The former First Lady was a writer, activist, and humanitarian. Eleanor Rosalynn Smith Carter was born in Plains, Georgia, on August 18, 1927, and passed away on November 19, 2023. She advocated for human rights, mental health, caregiving, and peace through The Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving in Americus, Georgia. A lifelong environmentalist, she created the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail to protect Monarch butterflies. Her decades of servant leadership are a powerful model for residents of Sumter County to build connections and strengthen community through intentional and impactful actions.
La Primera Dama fue una escritora, activista, y humanitaria. Eleanor Rosalynn Smith Carter nació en Plains, Georgia el 18 de agosto de 1927 y falleció el 19 de noviembre de 2023. Ella fue pionera en términos de defensa de los servicios de salud mental, la salud mental, la paz, y los derechos humanos con el Centro Carter en Atlanta, Georgia y el Instituto Rosalyn Carter para el Cuidado de Personas con Necesidades Especiales en Americus, Georgia. Un ambientalista de toda la vida, Rosalynn Carter creó el Rosalynn Carter Sendero de Mariposas para proteger las mariposas monarcas. Sus décadas de liderazgo fiel han servido como un ejemplo poderoso para los residentes de Sumter County para que formen conexiones y fortalezcan la comunidad con acciones impactantes e intencionales.
Eleanor Rosalynn Smith Carter
1927 - 2023
A leader takes people where they want to go.
A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to be, but ought to be.
Un líder lleva a la gente donde quieren ir.
Un gran líder lleva a la gente, donde no necesariamente quieren ir, pero donde deben estar.
- Rosalynn Carter
Furlow Charter scholars describe Mrs. Carter as an exceptional example of a Sumter County citizen. She dedicated her life in service to others.
Los estudiantes de Furlow Charter School describen a la Sra. Carter como un ejemplo excepcional de una ciudadana del condado de Sumter. Ella dedicó su vida al servicio de los demás.
Rosalynn Tribute Video Generic.m4vRosalynn Smith Carter
RESPECTFUL- She was gracious and humble to all the people she helped.
ADVOCATE- She was a living example of good things, and she showed us how to treat others by her own example. She advocated for peace.
COMPASSIONATE- She allowed space for others to open up and express their feelings. She listened.
SERVANT LEADER- She sacrificed her time and energy to build programs for those in need. She gave more than she had to because she wanted to help others.
HUMANITARIAN- She knew how to express herself, talk with diverse groups of people, and reach out to guide others.
Rosalynn Smith Carter
RESPETUOSA: Era amable y humilde con todas las personas a las que ayudaba.
DEFENSORA: Era un ejemplo vivo de cosas buenas y nos mostró cómo tratar a los demás con su propio ejemplo. Abogó por la paz.
COMPASIVA: Permitía que los demás tuvieran espacio para abrirse y expresar sus sentimientos. Escuchaba a los demás.
LÍDER SERVIDORA: Ella dedicó su tiempo y energía para crear programas para los necesitados. Dio más de lo que tenía porque quería ayudar a los demás.
HUMANITARIA: Sabía cómo expresarse, hablar con diversos grupos de personas y tuvo una mano para guiar a los demás.
Sheriff Eric Bryant and Police Chief Mark Scott
On May 10, 2024, Furlow Charter's Service Learning scholars inducted these law enforcement leaders into
Sumter's Museum for Service. They exemplify the characteristics of true servant leaders and have
dedicated their lives to ensuring the safety of our schools and community.
El 10 de mayo de 2024, los estudiantes de aprendizaje de servicio de Furlow Charter School incorporaron a estos líderes de las fuerzas del orden público al Museo del Servicio de Sumter. Ellos ejemplifican las características de los verdaderos líderes servidores y han dedicado sus vidas a garantizar la seguridad de nuestras escuelas y nuestra comunidad.
Eric D. Bryant
Eric D. Bryant
Embrace kindness, practice compassion, and inspire change - treat others as you aspire to be treated.
Embrace kindness, practice compassion, and inspire change - treat others as you aspire to be treated.
Abraza la amabilidad, práctica compasión, e inspira el cambio: tratas a otras como aspiras ser tratado.
Abraza la amabilidad, práctica compasión, e inspira el cambio: tratas a otras como aspiras ser tratado.
-Sheriff Eric D. Bryant
From Sumter County, GA, a true beacon of commitment, leadership, and service, Sheriff Eric D. Bryant has dedicated his life to the betterment of his community. Sheriff Bryant began his remarkable journey in law enforcement as a detention officer. Through his unwavering commitment to serving and protecting his community, he steadily rose through the ranks, ultimately earning the esteemed position of Chief Deputy.
Sheriff Bryant is the first African American Sheriff of Sumter County, Georgia. Breaking barriers and making history, he serves as an inspirational role model for all aspiring law enforcement officers, regardless of their background.
El sheriff Eric D. Bryant, del condado de Sumter County, Georgia es un verdadero ejemplo de compromiso, liderazgo y servicio. Él ha dedicado su vida a mejorar su comunidad. El sheriff Bryant comenzó su notable carrera como agente de detención. Gracias a su inquebrantable compromiso con el servicio y la protección de su comunidad, fue ascendiendo de rango de forma constante hasta llegar a obtener el prestigioso puesto de jefe adjunto.
El Sheriff Bryant es el primer Sheriff Africano- Americano de Sumter County, Georgia. Rompiendo barreras y haciendo historia, él sirve como un gran modelo para todos que aspiran trabajar con la ley, sin importar sus raíces.
Chief Mark Scott
Law Enforcement is a calling. It’s a commitment to constantly put service to others ahead of oneself and even one’s own family. It’s stressful, exhilarating, terrifying, frustrating, and exhausting. But, at the end of the day, when I take off the uniform and look at my grandkids playing on the floor, safe and happy, it’s worth it.
La aplicación de la ley es una vocación. Es un compromiso de poner constantemente el servicio a los demás por delante de uno mismo e incluso de la propia familia. Es estresante, estimulante, aterrador, frustrante y agotador. Pero, al final del día, cuando me quito el uniforme y miro a mis nietos jugando en el suelo, seguros y felices, vale la pena.
-Chief Mark Scott
Americus Police Chief Mark Scott has protected and served the State of Georgia for over three decades, not only as a law enforcement officer (LEO) but as a leader, mentor, and activist in his community. Chief Scott has spent his career working to enact systemic change in law enforcement, frequently traveling to assess departments across the U.S. and currently serving as the President of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police.
Chief Scott is a lifelong learner. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Georgia Command College and holds advanced degrees in communications, sociology, and public administration from Valdosta State University and Columbus State University, respectively. Chief Scott’s commitment to integrity, community outreach, and servant leadership has made him a role model for many in Sumter County and beyond.
El jefe de policía de Americus, Mark Scott, ha protegido y servido al estado de Georgia durante más de tres décadas, no solo como agente de la ley, sino como líder, mentor y activista en su comunidad. El jefe Scott ha dedicado su carrera a trabajar para lograr un cambio sistémico en la aplicación de la ley, viajando con frecuencia para evaluar departamentos en todo Estados Unidos y actualmente es el presidente de la Asociación de Jefes de Policía de Georgia.
El jefe Scott es un aprendiz de por vida. Se graduó en la Academia Nacional del FBI y del Georgia Command College y posee títulos avanzados en comunicaciones, sociología y administración pública de la Universidad Estatal de Valdosta y la Universidad Estatal de Columbus. El compromiso del jefe Scott con la integridad, la participación comunitaria y el liderazgo de servicio lo han convertido en un modelo a seguir para muchos en el condado de Sumter y más allá.
Brian Baird
Brian Baird
Brian Baird, Ph.D.
Brian Baird, Ph.D.
Member of Congress (Retired)
Founder and Chair
National Museum and Center
for Service
Brian Baird NMCFS and Furlow Vid.mp4The National Museum and Center of Service-- unifying America through our core value of service over self.
El Museo Nacional y Centro de Servicio: unificando a Estados Unidos a través de nuestro valor fundamental: el servicio a uno mismo.
Page updated
Report abuse