CALDWELL: A community united: A heartfelt thank you

Published 4:35 pm Thursday, February 20, 2025

In times of great sorrow, we often find the true strength of a community. This past week, your Georgia Military College Preparatory School family experienced an overwhelming outpouring of love and support in the wake of one of our seventh-grade students, Dalton Hill’s passing. It is in moments like these that the bonds of our Milledgeville community shine brightest, and I want to express on behalf of our GMC Family our deepest gratitude to every individual who stood by and supported our students, faculty, and staff during this very difficult time.

From the moment we learned of Dalton’s passing, our community came together in a way that I have never seen before in Milledgeville. Religious leaders from across all faiths offered their prayers, words of comfort, spaces for healing, and walked and prayed with our students on campus for several days. We could not be more grateful for the outpouring of volunteers that flocked our campus to be there for our GMC Family. Local businesses extended kindness and generosity in countless ways. Families, friends, and neighbors surrounded our students with unwavering support, ensuring that no one felt alone in their grief. Your presence, your compassion, and your willingness to step up in our time of need will never be forgotten.

To those who stayed with us throughout the school week, provided meals and treats for our teachers and staff, shared kind words, and simply offered a listening ear — your acts of kindness made an immeasurable impact. You reminded us all that Milledgeville is more than just a place we live; it is a community that lifts one another up, even in the darkest of times.

Dalton’s passing is an unimaginable loss, but the love and unity that emerged in its wake is a testament to the character of our community. We are stronger together, and last week, you demonstrated that in a profound and powerful way. On behalf of your entire Georgia Military College family, thank you for showing up, for standing beside us, and for reminding us what it truly means to be part of this incredible community.

Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV

President, Georgia Military College