Super Bowl Champion Malcolm Mitchell joins Georgia’s First Lady Kemp to release his second book for pre-K students

ATLANTA—When Super Bowl Champion Malcolm Mitchell sat down to write his second book for Georgia’s Pre-K Program, he set the story at the Georgia Governor’s Mansion, where the First Couple welcomed a group of students on a field trip to the “People’s House.” Today, May 8, thanks to First Lady Marty Kemp, Mitchell, and Amy M. Jacobs, Commissioner of Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning(DECAL), this story became a reality for a group of Georgia’s Pre-K Program students from Fulton County.

The new book, entitled “A Magnificent Field Trip to the Governor’s Mansion,” follows the author and a group of students on a journey where they meet the Governor, First Lady, their dogs, Rhett and Bailey, and even some chickens and bees, which are part of a nature trail experience at the mansion.

The First Lady and Commissioner Jacobs read the book to pre-K students along with Mitchell, who is known for his performances on the football field with the New England Patriots and the University of Georgia Bulldogs.

“When I became the First Lady of Georgia, I wanted to update the Governor’s Mansion in hopes that it would truly be ‘Georgia Grown’ and showcase all that makes our state such a great place to call home,” said Mrs. Kemp. “Those changes include updates to engage children and families. It is always an honor to welcome you to the People’s House.”

Following their visit with the First Lady, Mitchell and the students walked through the book’s narrative for a video that recorded the field trip and will be shared with all Georgia’s Pre-K classrooms. Mitchell will narrate the story while students experience many of the activities described in the book. This spring, DECAL is presenting a free copy of “A Magnificent Field Trip to the Governor’s Mansion” to every student and classroom in Georgia’s Pre-K Program.This fall will be the 32nd year of Georgia’s Pre-K Program, which now serves 72,000 students statewide.

“Sometimes ,when you’re growing up, the only things that you see are what your neighborhood offers,” said Mitchell, a native of Valdosta. “Books expose you to more information and new realities and in turn, you begin to hope and dream of things that you may not see every day, and that’s what I call the magic.”

“Hosting Pre-K students at the Governor’s Mansion was an enriching experience for all of us,” said Commissioner Jacobs. “Their enthusiasm and curiosity are truly inspiring. This magnificent field trip perfectly captured the importance of firsthand learning experiences in early childhood education. From the rich history of the mansion, to interacting with honey bees and chickens, this was a great day for everyone, and we appreciate the First Lady so much for opening her home.”

In 1993, Georgia became the first state in the nation to establish a pre-kindergarten program for 4-year-olds funded entirely with revenues from a state lottery. Two years later, the program was expanded to a universal, voluntary Pre-K program for all 4-year-olds.