Chargers Taking Charge ALUMNUS GETS A KICK OUT OF DAYS AS A STUDENT For Dunny Blankenship, a 1982 graduate of GHC (then Floyd Junior College), earning an associate degree in criminal justice was just one of many memories and accomplishments from his time as a student. Now spending his days guiding students as a social studies teacher and soccer and wrestling coach at Model Middle School in Floyd County, Blankenship reflects upon his own time as a student. “At the time, GHC was known as Floyd Junior College and was a great place to be,” Blankenship said. “My mom had graduated from here as a registered nurse in one of the first classes at the college. It was a great school and was truly affordable.” Following his education at GHC, Blankenship went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science from West Georgia College, a Master of Education from State University of West Georgia, and a post-master’s educational specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University. He said his time at GHC helped him develop an outlook on life that he follows to this day. “This college laid the groundwork for me being able to understand that working hard and treating people fair goes a long way,” Blankenship said. Blankenship said his instructors kept things interesting in the classroom which encouraged him to continue working toward his degree. He said they made lessons interesting, but also made students work hard for a passing grade. “It wasn’t all about book work. They wanted us to understand how it all fit together,” Blankenship said. “This led me to be more understanding of the world and the people in it.” Outside the classroom, Blankenship enjoyed competing among the college’s “Bearcats” year-round intramural sports teams, even being named Athlete of the Year in 1980. His passion for sports as a college student evolved into a life’s mission of supporting others on the field. BLANKENSHIP – continued on page 35
Dunny Blankenship
28 | Spring/Summer 2020 28 | Spring/Summer 2021
