St. Genevieve School in Panorama City Had a Unique Bond with Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter

World, national, state and local leaders have released statements and condolences following the passing of former President Jimmy Carter on Sunday, Dec. 29.

But, for all of the students and staff past and present at St. Genevieve Catholic High School in Panorama City, the death of the 35th United States president is losing a member of their school community. 

Lining the main hallway, on permanent display are photos and mementos of the long history the Carters have had with their school. Known as “The Carter Wall” there are framed letters from Rosalynn Carter and snapshots of the numerous occasions they enjoyed with the former President and First Lady. They are proud that Jimmy Carter called St. Genevieve’s his “favorite school in America.” 

The Catholic school has had a close relationship with Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter that spanned four decades with many who have personal stories and first-hand accounts of Jimmy Carter’s work as a kind spirit and humanitarian.

This special relationship began with a letter written in 1984 to Rosalynn Carter from Dan Horn years before he became the school principal. Horn was inspired to send the letter after reading her autobiography. 

“And I got a letter back, and it was a little form letter typed by an assistant, but at the bottom there was a handwritten note from her. And I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, you know, she actually read the letter, because she said something about I should get involved in politics,’” Horn recalled.

“So I picked up my pen and I wrote back, and I said, ‘I can’t believe you actually read my letter, I would just really like to meet you one day, and even if I just have a chance to come to Plains and I’ll help you clean fish one afternoon.’ I had read she was somewhat of an expert fly fisherman,” Horn shared.

“And it was months later, I had completely forgotten about it, I remember it was a rainy winter day. I had just gotten home, and her assistant called me, I think it was January of 1986, and she said, ‘You probably thought your letter got lost in the well down here, but Rosalynn remembers, and she wants to invite you to come and have lunch.’ And that was the start of it.”

Horn’s friends tried to discourage him from traveling the long distance telling him he would probably be among so many others and would only get a handshake. 

“But, I didn’t care, I wanted to meet her,” Horn said, driving 600 miles from Washington D.C. to Atlanta. “They were building the Carter Center and when I arrived, NBC was there waiting to interview her for the Today Show.

“And so I’m sitting there with these other people who are waiting for her, and someone came out,  and said, ‘Danny Horn?’ And I said, Yes, that’s me. And he said, ‘Mrs. Carter’s ready to have lunch with you now. Follow me.’ And they walked me back to a conference room. And when I walked in, it was Rosalynn and her daughter-in-law, and the three of us sat and had lunch.” 

This meeting would become the start of a long friendship and relationship with the Carters, Horn and St. Genevieve’s when he became the school principal.

Over the years, the staff and students made dozens of trips to the Carters’ hometown of Plains, Georgia. The small town became a welcoming location for the school. Staff retreats were held at the Maranatha Baptist Church, the Carters’ place of worship and Jimmy Carter taught Sunday school. St. Genevieve’s student choir and theater group also performed in the Southern town.

“Rosalynn always personally introduced us as her friends from California, which really blew the students away. The community of Plains opened their homes to us, making meals and offering places to stay for our students.” 

Horn was among the few to be presented with a key to the city. In turn, the former president visited St. Genevieve School.

In anticipation of one of the couple’s visits, in 2013, The Carter Wall was created and has been a focal point of inspiration. 

At the 2018 Rose Bowl, St. Genevieve premiered a documentary by a former student assigned to compile the many messages from the school that exemplified the life and accomplishments of Rosalynn Carter aptly titled, “Dear Rosalynn.”

“But there’s no way to talk about him without mentioning her. And I don’t think there’s any way to talk about her without mentioning him,” said Horn. “The two were really one, and he would easily tell people that she was always his closest advisor. Rosalynn was smart as a whip and he was also brilliant.”

During COVID-19, there was no traveling, so the students would communicate via Zoom from the school auditorium and pray with the couple.

On Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday last October, the school assembled with more than 1,000 students strong – they made a recording of their gathering, singing Happy Birthday and sent their tribute to him. They also sang the Happy Birthday song when Rosalynn Carter turned 96 in August 2023. She passed the following November.

Jimmy Carter was the first U.S. president to live to 100 years of age. He is most noted for his large volume of service after leaving the White House, including his work swinging a hammer with Habitat for Humanity to build houses for those most in need. 

Horn said that Jimmy Carter especially liked the “character education program” the school offered.

The reaction by those at St. Genevieve is to reflect on Jimmy Carter’s “faith, service and character.” 

While the school is currently on holiday break, Horn said just as they had done for Rosalynn Carter when she passed, they will have a special ceremony for their much loved former president.

“Jimmy Carter always said that he lived his life in such a way that when he put his head on his pillow at night, if it was his last night on Earth, that he’s ok with it,” Horn said. “He’s been an example for me and for all the students at St. Genevieve over the years. I know he’s ready [for heaven].”