There are outstanding individuals in each community who go above and beyond the norm to assist and promote local schools and other educational agencies. The Chattahoochee-Flint RESA Champions for Education program was created to identify and recognize these individuals throughout the region.
During his 35 years with Marion County Schools, “Mr. Larry” has served in many different roles. As the Manager of the Maintenance Department, Bryant has spent countless hours behind the scenes to make sure the facilities of both schools are maintained beyond expectation. Superintendent Jamie Penoncello says, “He takes pride in his work and will come at all hours to take care of an issue when we have an emergency. I have personally come up to the school on a Sunday during Christmas Break and witnessed Mr. Larry working on the floors because he felt like it did not look quite right. If there is an emergency, Mr. Larry is the first person I call.”
When he is not working on school facilities, Bryant has been the head boys’ and girls’ middle school basketball coach and has also been an assistant coach with the boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball throughout his career as well. One of the highlights of Mr. Larry’s coaching career was as an Assistant Coach with the 2018 Lady Eagles State Basketball Champions. Mr. Larry is also known throughout Marion County as a “Master Griller.” He handles the grilling at every football game and throughout the year for faculty and staff.
According to Penoncello, “The best quality that Mr. Larry has is his love for kids. He finds true joy in helping students that are struggling by giving sound advice and making them laugh and feel good about themselves. He has been a mentor for students and he has given them opportunities to help throughout their school career. It is amazing to see how close the students are to him. Mr. Larry has made such an impact on our students that will touch their lives forever.”
Bryant was recognized for his contributions at a luncheon on November 29th at Chattahoochee-Flint RESA.