U.S. Army Pvt. Robert Price returned home to Oxford last week to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family.
But before he broke bread with his kin, the 2004 Oxford High School graduate stopped by Daniel Axford Elementary to visit his favorite teacher, Mrs. Ella Mae Schultz, and meet his new pint-sized pen pals.
Price said he’s always admired Schultz and considered her his favorite and most influential teacher.
Following his graduation from OHS in June, Price shipped off to boot camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
‘I joined (the Army) because I knew I wasn’t going to college and this would give me an education,? Price told Schultz? second grade class.
Although he was gone, Schultz wanted to make sure Price didn’t feel forgotten. So, she drafted her second-graders to begin writing letters to the young private.
Students were thrilled when Price, who just graduated from boot camp, made a surprise visit to answer their letters in person and meet his new friends.
The young private fielded questions about everything from what’s army life like to his favorite military food to what does he do in his free time on the base.
‘Every time I’m in town I’ll stop and visit you guys,? Price told students. ‘And when I’m away I’ll write.?
Pvt. Price returns to active duty Dec. 1, but has no idea what or where his first assignment will be.