Dan Horn, principal of St. Genevieve Parish Schools, shares his close relationship with former President Jimmy Carter, from their first meeting through the years of friendship and Carter's impact on Horn's life and the school.
Dan Horn, principal of St. Genevieve Parish Schools in Panorama City, forged a special relationship with former President Jimmy Carter. He was invited to his funeral at the Washington National Cathedral. He stands at the front of the church after the funeral services finished on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (photo courtesy of Dan Horn).Dan Horn, principal of St.
Genevieve Parish Schools in the San Fernando Valley who became a friend of the late President Jimmy Carter, likes to talk about Carter as a humble, peace-loving Christian who lived a simple life in a small town in Georgia before and after serving as the 39th president. Horn, 64, was among about 3,000 who attended the official state funeral for Carter who died at age 100 on Dec. 29, 2024. On Thursday, Jan. 9 at the National Cathedral, the poignant ceremony was attended by five living presidents, friends, family and President-elect Donald Trump . But it was Jason Carter’s personal remarks about his grandfather that stood out to the Catholic schools’ principal. He spoke about his grandfather years ago calling him on his new cell phone by accident. After saying ‘How are ya doing PawPaw’ — the nickname given to their grandfather — the president asked, “Who is this?”“He couldn’t figure out why there was someone on the phone,” Horn said, recalling Jason’s words. Jason ribbed his PawPaw with the line: “Nuclear engineer, huh?” Horn said that his down-home “spirit of the people” quality, as reflected in Jason Carter’s remarks, were also embraced by the president’s late wife Rosalynn Carter and inscribed in her book, “First Lady from Plains.” Horn read the book and it prompted him to write to her. After Rosalynn Carter answered and then invited him to Plains for a visit in 1985, the rest as they say is history.The president also visited the school, which is located in Panorama City, on several occasions, once to see the “Carter Wall” at the school that students had created as a living bulletin board in honor of the Carters. Students at St. Genevieve Parish Schools celebrate former President Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday with an assembly, which was recorded for Carter, at the Panorama City school on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. The school has a long standing relationship with the Carters. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)Jimmy Carter planned his own funeral. He picked the speakers, singers and his favorite songs which included a rendition of “Amazing Grace” by opera star Phyllis Adams, andDavid Osborne, Carter’s favorite piano player, performed several numbers before the service began. This brought back memories for Horn. The students from St. Genevieve “have sung with David as well,” he remembered. “On Jimmy Carter’s 85th birthday, our kids were the opening act for David Osborn back in Georgia.” Horn also reflected on President Carter’s policies on environmental justice, creating the Department of Energy, and urging cutting back on fossil fuels that cause global climate change. He made the connections to“It’s an extremely emotional and darkly ironic day for me,” Horn said. “As the city I love experiences catastrophic fires, we honor a president who cherished the environment and had a love and desire to protect the environment.” He said, “The casket bearing the remains of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter arrives inside Washington National Cathedral for his state funeral on Jan. 9, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Joe Biden declared today a national day of mourning for Carter, the 39th President of the United States, who died at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024 at his home in Plains, Georgia. Following the state funeral, Carter’s remains will be returned to Plains, Georgia where he will be interred after a private family service. (Photo by Haiyun Jiang-Pool/Getty Images) Finally, it was the eulogy delivered by President Joe Biden that reminded him of the students back at St. Genevieve schools he was missing while paying respects to his friend in Atlanta, Plains, Ga. and Washington, DC.“People ask: What was it about our schools that made the Carters interested? We were one of the few National Schools of Character in the country. That is our foundation, faith and character,” Horn said.
JIMMY CARTER FUNERAL PRESIDENT RELIGION EDUCATION
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jason Carter Honors Grandfather Jimmy Carter at Carter Center CeremonyJason Carter delivered a moving eulogy at a ceremony honoring his grandfather, former President Jimmy Carter, at the Carter Center.
Read more »
Jason Carter Eulogizes Grandfather Jimmy Carter at the Carter CenterJason Carter, grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, delivered a powerful eulogy at the Carter Center, emphasizing the institution's importance as a living legacy of his grandfather's life's work.
Read more »
Chip Carter Eulogizes Father, Jimmy Carter, Highlighting Legacy of Service and Hard WorkChip Carter, son of former President Jimmy Carter, delivered a heartfelt eulogy praising his father's life, legacy, and the values he instilled in his family.
Read more »
Chip Carter Eulogizes Jimmy Carter, Praising His Legacy and ValuesDuring a moving eulogy at the Carter Center, Chip Carter celebrated his father's life, impact, and personal lessons. The service, attended by family, friends, and dignitaries, marked the final farewell to the 39th president. Chip shared heartwarming anecdotes about his father's hard work, community spirit, and unwavering support, emphasizing the enduring legacy of Jimmy Carter.
Read more »
Jason Carter Reflects on Jimmy Carter's Legacy as 'Grandfather First'In a heartfelt interview following his grandfather's passing, Jason Carter shares memories of Jimmy Carter's kindness, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to his family and values.
Read more »
Jimmy Carter's Legacy Continues Through The Carter CenterFormer President Jimmy Carter's dedication to humanitarian work extended far beyond his presidency, culminating in the establishment of The Carter Center, which continues to promote peace, democracy, and global health.
Read more »