Graham applies military principles with students

Anthony Graham (Contributed/John Peck)

MADISON – Anthony Graham has applied the concepts of integrity and leadership from his military training to a school organization for boys and teenagers.

Graham entered the U.S. Air Force in January 1999. He reached the rank of Senior Airman.

He completed basic training in San Antonio, Texas. “I was assigned to F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyo. I attended anti-terrorism school in Fort Dix, N.J.,” Graham said.

Graham received a bachelor’s degree in education at Ottawa University. He earned an endorsement in middle school math.

“I moved to Madison in June 2007 to be closer to family,” Graham said. He started teaching for Madison City Schools in August 2007 at Heritage Elementary School. Now at Discovery Middle School, Graham teaches math and also has taught public speaking and his “Money! Money!” class.

In 2010, Graham founded a new student organization at Heritage Elementary School named RUFF (Ready yoUrself For the Future) to foster the positive development of young men and empower them to mature as outstanding leaders. Boys in fifth grade through seniors in high school can join RUFF, which has expanded to most Madison campuses.

Graham sees definite parallels between RUFF’S tenets and those principles that the Armed Forces impress upon soldiers. “Our three main core areas in RUFF are taken directly from my military experience. ‘Integrity First,’ ‘Commitment to Excellence’ and ‘Lead by Example’ are military concepts that I use in the program,” Graham said.

His two children, eight-year-old Isabelle and five-year-old Joseph, both attend Madison City Schools. “I enjoy being with my kids and helping out around the Madison community,” Graham said.