On Sunday Dec. 29, 2024, former President Jimmy Carter passed away peacefully at 100-years-old in his Georgia home surrounded by family. Known for his love, humility, and truly American story of success, President Carter will always be remembered as a humble humanitarian with a heart for all.
Born in Plains, GA on Oct. 1, 1924, President Carter was raised on his family farm during the Great Depression. Hardworking from a young age, he wisely invested his money as a teenager which set him up for success during a time when most of America was drowning in debt. The Miller Center states, “By the time he was ten, the boy stacked produce from the family farm onto a wagon, hauled it into town, and sold it. He saved his money, and by the age of thirteen, he bought five houses around Plains that the Great Depression had put on the market at rock-bottom prices.”
President Carter was the 39th president of America and served his presidency from 1977-1981. Despite controversy over the success of his presidential term, he accomplished several significant achievements during and after his time in office.
In 2002, President Carter won the Nobel Peace “for work to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development” (The White House). He also partnered with the Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit group that works to provide all people with safe and affordable housing.
In 1978, President Carter helped negotiate the Camp David Accords, which brought Israel and Egypt into their first treaty ever. Additionally, he negotiated a new treaty over the Panama Canal and signed several major bills, including a legislation that created the U.S. Department of Education.
RHS Social Studies teacher Mr. Wilhelm is impressed with President Carter, saying “Carter grew up from nothing, came from a farm without even running water, and became the President of the United States … the American dream,” later adding that students should remember that Carter “loved all mankind … regardless of where they came from.”
While America mourns the loss of President Carter, the country should remember that success isn’t measured by wealth, prestige, or even a performance at a specific time. Rather, a truly admirable person can be defined by the amount he served others. President Carter is an outstanding example of humility and love for America and the world.
RHS Principal Mr. Martin expressed, “We tend to forget sometimes that the President works for us rather than the other way around. And … [Carter] served the nation. That would be his legacy.”
