DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- For the first time in American history, a former U.S. president is celebrating their 100th birthday. Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president, was born on Oct. 1. While he’s celebrating in the same South Georgia town he was born in back in 1924, Dublin City School students are taking a look at the impact he’s made in his century of life. Students at Grizzell Middle School in Dublin spent Tuesday learning about his leadership. The week leading up to Carter's birthday, students learned about his history before celebrating the milestone with a '70s-themed birthday party. Westerville schools rescinds religious release policy “The idea that he's dedicated his whole life to serving his country and his fellow man, from the Navy before he became president, farmer, governor, president and then when he did after president is really what the kids are focused on a lot,” Shawn Kaeser, an 8th grade Social Studies teacher at Grizzell said. Watch: Students celebrate Carter's 100 years of service Carter was in office from 1977 to 1981, and after his time as president, he focused on humanitarian and charitable work. So, on Tuesday, students rotated through multiple stations where they could do things like take a picture with Jimmy Carter, build habitat houses, play games and learn about serving in the military.  “He worked his whole life to help everybody," 8th grade student Clara Walton said. "Even before he became president, he served in the Navy. So he was always trying to help people.” Kaeser said while Carter might have not been the most successful president, he did some great things during his time. Throughout his life he used his position as former president to do a lot of good. One middle schooler was even named after him. “My mom told me she saw a documentary about Jimmy Carter,” said 8th grade student Carter Dendinger. “She was like, 'I want my daughter to be kind and loyal like him.'” Carter was diagnosed with cancer nine years ago. His wife of over 70 years, Rosalynn, recently passed away and he’s been on home hospice care for months. Despite it all, he made it to 100. New bill proposes panic buttons for Ohio's schools “He's a fighter. He has a strong spirit,” said Kaeser.  Students at the birthday party said there’s a lot they will take away from the learning experience.  “Always try to help people because that’s what Jimmy always did, like he was always just helping,” said Walton.  “If he can do it, then all of us can,” said Ella Lautervach, an 8th grader. Kaeser said if the students learn anything from Tuesday, it's the lesson of selfless sacrifice. “Hopefully the kids kind of see that you're judged by not just really what you did in your prime, but that you can live your whole life doing great things for humans after your peak," Kaeser said.  To be able to attend Jimmy Carter’s birthday party, students had to do a little research about him and turn in a project about his life. The students that completed the assignment and attended the party say they’re going to remember where they were when Jimmy Carter turned 100.