North Augusta, SC – August 19, 2025
North Augusta Elementary School was honored to host United States Congressman Joe Wilson, Representative of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina, along with several distinguished representatives from Aiken County, for a special visit on Tuesday morning.
The visit provided students with a unique opportunity to meet their elected officials, ask questions, and share the amazing work happening in classrooms across the school.
“We are delighted to welcome Congressman Joe Wilson and his guests to North Augusta Elementary School today,” said Principal Eli Badillo, “Our students and staff were excited to highlight the incredible learning and creativity taking place in our classrooms each day. It was an honor to share our school community with such distinguished guests.”
The morning began with a warm meet-and-greet in the conference room, where Congressman Wilson connected with school leadership and representatives from the district. He then visited several classrooms as part of his itinerary:
First Grade Reading (Mrs. Rutland’s Class) – The visit to Mrs. Rutland’s class began with students practicing their greeting skills by introducing themselves and warmly welcoming Congressman Wilson to their classroom. Together, they shared a lively reading activity as Congressman Wilson read You’re Here for a Reason by Nancy Tillman. The story’s theme, “everyone matters,” resonated deeply with the students and connected beautifully to the importance of kindness, community, and service. As the story concluded, students had the chance to engage in a short question-and-answer session. They eagerly asked about Congressman Wilson’s family, his military service, and his leadership as a public servant. The exchange not only highlighted their growing literacy and communication skills but also gave students a memorable opportunity to connect their classroom learning to real-world experiences.
Fourth Grade Q&A Session (Mrs. Lewis’s Class) – In preparation for the visit, students in Mrs. Lewis’s class had been studying the differences between a biography and an autobiography. As part of their learning, they read a biography about Congressman Wilson and used their research to craft thoughtful questions ahead of time. When Congressman Wilson arrived, the students were eager to engage. They asked about his family, his years of military service, the many places he has traveled to, and his experiences serving as a leader in government. The conversation not only reinforced their classroom lessons on reading and writing but also provided them with authentic, real-world insights into the life of a public servant. Through their questions, students gained a deeper understanding of leadership, civic responsibility, and the importance of service to others — all while experiencing firsthand the value of connecting what they learn in school to the wider world.
To mark the occasion, North Augusta Elementary’s art teacher, Mrs. Kristina Todd, presented Congressman Wilson with a hand-painted picture of the school’s Dolphin logo alongside the American and South Carolina flags. This thoughtful gift symbolized both school pride and appreciation for his service to the community and country.
Throughout the visit, Congressman Wilson praised the dedication of the school’s educators and the enthusiasm of its students. He emphasized the importance of education as the foundation for future leadership and community success.
North Augusta Elementary is grateful to Congressman Joe Wilson and the Aiken County representatives for taking the time to engage with students, celebrating their achievements, and supporting the mission of preparing lifelong learners.
Written by Stephanie Morin, North Augusta Elementary School, Librarian & Communications Liaison
