Chris Whitfield/Daily Citizen-NewsGeorgia first lady Sandra Deal shares the story of "Will Powers" during a visit with first-graders at Dawnville Elementary School on Monday afternoon. 

DALTON, Ga. — Sandra Deal has been Georgia’s first lady since her husband Nathan Deal’s election as governor in 2010, but she is still an educator at heart.

Sandra Deal made a tour through several Whitfield County and Murray County elementary schools on Monday, reading to students on such themes as the U.S. Constitution for Constitution Week and the power and importance of will and hard work. She met with students at Beaverdale, Dawnville, New Hope, Tunnel Hill, Varnell and Westside elementary schools in Whitfield County and Northwest Elementary in Murray County.

“When Nathan was elected governor, I knew what his job was going to be, but I didn’t know what I would do,” she said. “They told me I didn’t have to do anything. But I wasn’t just going to sit around and drink tea and read magazines.”

So Sandra Deal, who for many years taught sixth grade, returned to her educational roots and has been a fixture in the state’s schools during both of her husband’s terms as governor. Her last stop on Monday locally was at Dawnville Elementary where she visited with first-graders. It marked her 772nd visit to an elementary school or pre-K program in the state in her seven years as first lady.

“Education is something I think is so important,” she said. “We want all of our students to be successful, and (education) is the door to a successful life.”

She traded laughs and stories with the Dawnville first-graders, answering their questions and sharing some insider information from the governor’s mansion. One of the characters in her stories was a big fan of an Italian dish. Turns out, so is the governor.

“Do you all like meatballs?” she asked. “I believe spaghetti and meatballs might be Nathan’s favorite dish.”

In addition to talking to older students about the Constitution, Sandra Deal shared the story of Will Powers. “Will Powers: Where There’s a Will There’s a Way” is a 2016 book by Coy Bowles, the lead guitarist of the Zac Brown Band. The book tells the story of a boy overcoming self-entitlement and achieving goals with dedication and a strong work ethic, according to Amazon.com.

“I love this little book,” Sandra Deal said. “I love the message of ‘It takes practice’ to reach your goals. If I can help plant that seed in their minds, it will pay off. The pleasure of knowing I can plant some seeds that have success is what keeps me coming back. I have a year left as first lady and this is something I truly enjoy.”