The Carrollton Trojan football team expanded its playbook beyond athletics last week, embarking on an out-of-state trip to Louisiana combining high-level competition with enriching learning experiences. During the three-day trip, student-athletes participated in an impactful character and leadership field trip supported by the Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation.
Developing next-generation leaders on and off the field is a core pillar of Trojan Athletics. Through the CCS Education Foundation Student Athlete Development Fund, founded by Trojan alum and athletic standout Jonathan Jones (’12), the foundation aims to expand experiential learning opportunities for students. These experiences align with the foundation’s mission to support teaching and learning at Carrollton City Schools.
Before their game in Baton Rouge, the Carrollton team broadened their horizons, making learning a focal point of their trip. The Trojans embraced cultural experiences and went on educational excursions to strengthen the student-athletes’ abilities to step outside their comfort zones and be better leaders on and off the field.
During their visit, the Trojans toured historic landmarks and explored sites along the Mississippi River. Throughout the day on Thursday, Sept. 3, student-athletes took an immersive swamp tour through the Barataria Nature Preserve, connecting classroom science and history lessons to real-world ecosystems, wildlife, and the region’s rich heritage. Guided by local experts, players asked questions that linked their classroom knowledge to the historical and ecological significance of the places they visited.
“Thanks to the generous support of the Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation Student Athlete Development Fund, our players are gaining invaluable life experiences that build character, broaden their perspectives, and prepare them to be leaders in our school and future endeavors,” said CHS Athletic Director Elizabeth Sanders.
From sampling local cuisine and enjoying beignets to holding a young alligator on their swamp tour, players deepened their understanding of southern Louisiana culture and developed a stronger sense of independence alongside their teammates and coaches.
One student shared with coaches that he had never traveled outside the state of Georgia until this trip, making the experience especially meaningful. Bridging learning with eye-opening experiences is at the heart of the Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation.
“Our goal is to help develop well-rounded young men who lead with integrity both on the field and in life, and by exposing them to unique learning experiences beyond the walls of our facilities, we challenge them to grow and be even better prepared for the next level,” said Trojan football head coach Joey King. “It is rewarding to witness some of our guys travel out of state for the first time and see their bond as teammates strengthened.”
With every field trip, the foundation invests in students’ futures by expanding their horizons while reinforcing that learning and exploration should never feel limiting.
To learn more about how the CCS Education Foundation supports unique learning experiences or to contribute to the fund, visit www.carrolltoncityschools.net/
