The Chief of Naval Operations for the United States of America traveled to Dubiski Career High School on Tuesday, November 2nd, to tour the school and make a connection with his influence and the campus.

Gary Roughead, a man who’s many years of service and loyalty to his country has garnered him a major spot in the President’s cabinet, is always searching for ways to spread his knowledge to a younger generation to help better their futures. With his grace and influence spreading far and wide, the CNO heard from an associate in Texas about the programs that were being worked on at Dubiski. Intrigued, Roughead took some time out of his busy schedule to look at the school and what educational purposes are provided.

Sam Buchmeyer, the Head of the Communications Department of GPISD, hoped that the CNO would be “interested in what we do here."

“We want to make sure he is exposed to the school, and showcase what we are currently doing,” said  Buchmeyer. “Ultimately, we want to see a partnership grow from this, and how that partnership can help the school’s programs.”

The whole affair began with hand-shakes. As the CNO arrived, many faculty members of the school and the district, rushed outside to meet him. Roughead introduced his troop of naval officers accompanying him, before beginning a tour of the high school.

Traveling through three main areas, engineering, medical, and graphics, the CNO was shown all of the intricate things happening inside the school. In every classroom he entered, a student presented to him the curriculum they are learning, and how their learning has affected their future. He was interested in everything they had to say, and gave them advice as to how they can take their learning farther.

“It was pretty amazing, meeting the admiral of the Navy,” explained Marcus Woodson, the Graphics Arts President of Dubiski. “My only fear was if he asked me a question, and I had no answer to.”

After the tour came the question and answer section, where a select few reporters were given the chance to sit one on one with the CNO. The questions asked revolved around his work for the Navy and how he could influence Dubiski High School to make it better.

“I am very interested in helping young people, stimulating young people, and finding new ways to aid young people,” said Roughead. “The most important thing is to get in an area or environment that allows young people to stretch themselves.”

The final advent of the event was an honorary luncheon made by the culinary arts students for the CNO’s appearance. Local big wigs, like Superintendent Susan Hall, and respected member of GPISD, Ruthe Jackson. As everyone ate, questions were asked, talks were had, and overall, every attendee had a good time. At the end of the event, several people wanted to take pictures with the CNO.