We were more than pleased and proud to learn that one of Newton County’s own, the late superintendent of schools and the founder of the 4-H movement George Claud Adams, is to be inducted Sept. 20 into the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame.

We were amazed to read about Adams’ extraordinary contributions to agriculture and agri-business in the state. If you missed our story about his life, you can read it by signing on to covnews.com.

Adams was a humble man, the 12th of 16 children who grew up working on the farm.

He was not allowed to attend school because he was needed to work his family’s farm. In spite of that, he found a way to educate himself.

Adams served as Newton County’s school superintendent from 1902 until 1924. He died in 1949 at the age of 81.

George Claud Adams was a man of conscience and perseverance who served his community with distinction. He must have loved children and was, by family accounts, a great father and grandfather.

Mr. Adams represented a type of leadership that brought positive change to his community and America.

It would be great if we had more men and women like him in leadership roles today.