McCain visit moved to afternoon
By Arthur McLean Editor

Sen. John McCain

Details are still sketchy about Sen. John McCain's visit to Thomasville, but excitement is growing in Thomasville over the Republican Presidential hopeful's visit Monday, April 21.

As of press time, McCain's morning visit turned into an afternoon visit after a visit to Gee's Bend was added to the Senator's itinerary. A finalized schedule would not be released until Friday, McCain campaign workers said.

"We're most excited about it," said Vic Adkison superintendent of Thomasville City Schools. As of press time, McCain was expected to give a speech about citizenship to students at Thomasville High School in the morning.

School officials were careful to characterize the event as a presentation to students and that it would not be used as a campaign stop or stump speech.

The challenge Adkison said, will be in fitting everyone into the high school gymnasium. The seating capacity of the gym is 750 and there are 460 high school students. Mayor Sheldon Day may be inviting as many as 100 veterans to the event as well. Once staff and teachers at the high school and press are included, that will likely make a capacity crowd, Adkison said.

For security reason, Adkison said the event would not be open to the public. "We still have to keep track of who is coming onto the campus," Adkison said. "For the safety and security of our students, we will be keeping it secure and monitoring who is here."

But Adkison said someone of McCain's stature could make an impact on students at the high school. "By his position on the military service committee and his history of service to this country, just in that capacity to and showing what it means to be an American will be a tremendous benefit," Adkison said.

McCain is also expected to address workforce development, and Adkison said the school have provided the McCain campaign information about its dual enrollment program with Alabama Southern Community College where high school students can begin taking college level classes in their junior and senior years for academic and trades skills tracks at the college.

"I think it shows a good faith effort that he cares about rural America, and I think it would be a great boost for our students."

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