By Amy Lawrence, Gleason School librarian
Gleason 5th graders have been learning about local, state, and federal government in Melody Hopper’s social studies class. As part of the learning process, the fifth graders visited Gleason City Hall to meet Gleason Mayor Diane Poole on August 22. During their visit, the City of Gleason was presented with a donation to the town’s new dog park from Randy Boyd, who is currently serving as Interim President of the University of Tennessee.
Students were also fed a delicious lunch and then were introduced to Gleason’s K-9 dog, Maverick. Gleason Police Chief Paul Eddlemon and Gleason Police Officer Jacob Howington showed students how Maverick uses his keen sense of smell to locate items.
A fifth grader, Ty Keeling, was chosen to hide a tennis ball somewhere while the police dog could not see. Once the ball was hidden, Maverick was brought in to try and pick up the scent. Maverick was easily able to track the ball and sat patiently to receive his reward. Afterward, the officers answered students' questions.
The fifth graders enjoyed the experience immensely and created cards for Mayor Poole, thanking her for the opportunity to visit.