Paris Independent School District

Students at Crockett Intermediate School recently had a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences during a special visit from Federal Special Agent David Ryan Terrell of the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).

Agent Terrell, a 2013 graduate of Paris High School, visited Mr. Kent Kirby’s sixth grade Social Studies classroom to share his experiences in international travel, global security, and government service. He spoke with students about the importance of passports, how they are used when traveling abroad, and what international travel looks like in practice.

Students also learned about the vital role of the Diplomatic Security Service in protecting U.S. diplomats, facilities, and sensitive information around the world.

One of the highlights of the visit came as Agent Terrell shared personal stories from his assignments overseas, including his recent work escorting Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Saudi Arabia. His first-hand accounts gave students a deeper connection to the countries and cultures they study in class, while also sparking curiosity about potential careers in government service and international relations.

"David Terrell brought real-life social studies to the classroom this past week with a presentation of his profession working for the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service,” said Mr. Kirby. “By discussing the history and responsibilities of the U.S. DSS, Agent Terrell offered students an insight into how geography, history and civics tie directly together across various countries and cultures throughout our world."

Crockett Intermediate School is proud to provide its students with meaningful learning experiences that expand their horizons and encourage them to think globally.