Baldwin County Schools celebrate Javon Bullard, Georgia Bulldogs' accomplishment
Georgia players seem to be getting recognition left and right after the Bulldogs’ National Championship in January. The city of Blackshear had a parade for Stetson Bennett at the end of January. Zamir White was given a key to the city in Laurinburg, N.C. on Friday. And on the same day, Baldwin County Schools in Milledgeville celebrated Javon Bullard Day.
Bullard, a freshman in 2021, saw action in 14 of 15 games last season for Georgia. He finished with 12 total tackles including a team-high six stops against Charleston Southern. Bullard also was credited with tackles against UAB, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Auburn and Missouri. Named a “Potential Breakout Bulldog This Spring” in our DawgsHQ series, Bullard could have an opportunity to make an even bigger impact in his second season.
But those in Milledgeville won’t necessarily care whether he takes the field for a single snap in 2022. He’s already had enough of an impact on their community.
“I’ve known and followed Javon’s athletic career since his recreation league. He has a very high impact on his peers. They look up to him and he pushes them to be the best version of themselves on and off the field and track being that he was a track and field star as well,” Seticia Smith, a teacher and coach at Oak Hill Middle School in Milledgeville, said about Bullard. “Javon is a great leader, he encourages his teammates, corrects their mistakes and lifts them when they are down on themselves. He gives them hope and lets them know they can achieve their dream simply by working hard and dreaming big.”
Smith was on hand for Friday’s celebration and saw the way that the community came to support Bullard and the Bulldogs during their 2021 National Championship run. While there already were many Georgia fans in the town just an hour-and-a-half from Athens, anybody that wasn’t certainly cheered on the Milledgeville native.
“The community was very excited to have Javon play for the Dawgs, myself included,” Smith said. “It felt great to see someone we knew wearing a Georgia uniform and actually receiving playing time. The community supported Javon by purchasing his jersey, attending games, and following the Georgia Bulldogs on social media and news feeds. He parents still attended Baldwin High School football games and would wear Javon’s jersey to the games . It was great to see them still support the school Javon played for.”
Top 10
- 1Breaking
DJ Lagway
Florida QB to return vs. LSU
- 2
Dylan Raiola injury
Nebraska QB will play vs. USC
- 3
Elko pokes at Kiffin
A&M coach jokes over kick times
- 4New
SEC changes course
Alcohol sales at SEC Championship Game
- 5
Bryce Underwood
Michigan prepared to offer No. 1 recruit $10.5M over 4 years
“It was great having him back in the schools were he attended . It was even better having him back as a national champion!” she continued. “I taught my 7th graders how to call the dawgs, so when he came to our hallway we did a loud calling the dawgs chant for him. The kids really enjoyed it, took pictures, made posters and cards, and he even participated in some of the school activities the primary and elementary school had. The students really embraced him.”
While the day was designed to celebrate Bullard’s accomplishments, he didn’t make it all about himself. He also wanted to pass along some advice.
“Dream big and make good grades is what stood out to me the most. It’s nice to see student athletes value education,” Smith said. “I’m glad the Baldwin County School District took time to invite Javon back into the schools to celebrate his accomplishments with students who walks the same hallways as he did letting them know they too can accomplish whatever goals they may set!”
Are you subscribed?
Ready to get all your latest Georgia athletics news in one place? Become a member of DawgsHQ today. With your DawgsHQ membership, you’ll not only have access to the goings on in Athens, but you’ll be able to peruse other fan sites within the On3 network to hear just how rivals are feeling about the Dawgs, as well. Make sure to follow along on Twitter (@DawgsHQ), on Facebook and on YouTube for all the Dawg news you need now! And listen to the DawgsHQ crew on our podcast Dawg Walk Talk on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
