Letters to the editor

It was a concert like none other and Mt. Pleasant Schools have every reason to be proud of it.

Thursday evening, April 18, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students from Lincoln Elementary assembled at the MP High School and performed. You could see/feel the student’s excitement and the audience responded in kind.

Each song was introduced by a few kids reciting/reading famous quotes and speeches from America’s History. When they sang the Star Spangled Banner, our National Anthem, the audience supported them by standing and showing the proper respect for our Nation’s Flag.

Formed in a semi-circle and divided by grades, each group flashed their U! S! A! lettered placards as cued, while singing that song. Other songs presented were, This is America, The Brave, American Every Day, American Tears and God Bless the USA.

You could see the passion of Courtney Cummings, the vocal music teacher, as she lead and honored her students. It was most refreshing to witness a teacher promoting Patriotism, love and respect for our country, a sense of belonging and unity.

Other schools and so-called educators confuse kids with nonsense like D (division), E (exclusion), I (incompetence) and those other capital letter subjects that teach kids they just don’t fit in. They ignore the fact that we are the greatest country on earth.

Every parent, grandparent, family member, Veteran and especially these students, should be thankful that Courtney takes our heritage to heart.

We owe her a debt of gratitude, for our school, our state and our country.

Leland and Vicki Graber

Wayland

Glad to hear Biden’s support for Ukraine

I was relieved that President Biden opened his SOTU speech with a forceful statement of support for Ukraine. I feel there is no more urgent issue facing us than Russia’s aggression. But do Republican members of Congress have enough backbone to face down Vladimir Putin? Will they act when he launches his space nuke to cripple our communications in a crisis? Or when he marches into Poland? I fear they don’t have what it takes.

We’ve all suffered from the aggression of other autocrats like Stalin and Hitler. President Biden issued the wake-up call: It is time for members of Congress to face facts and stop Putin now. And it’s time for members to act like they represent the United States of America, the world’s greatest nation by far.

Randy Dillon

Fairfield

We appreciate our volunteers

During this important National Volunteer Week (April 21-27), I cannot help but stop and be so thankful for the countless people who give to Washington County 4-H.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the village of people who volunteer their time, offer their skills and donate financial contributions to the Washington County 4-H program. My time as the 4-H/County Youth Coordinator has been extremely rewarding and in part due to the dedicated and caring volunteers in this county.

There are currently 527 youth in kindergarten-12th grade who are involved in Clover Kids/4-H in Washington County. The 4-H program would not and could not thrive in this way for so many young people without the commitment of our volunteers.

Thank you to all of our 4-H club leaders, 4-H & Youth Committee members, Extension Council members, Fair Board members, superintendents and project committees, project leaders, short-term volunteers, fair helpers, and numerous other volunteers throughout the year.

I have no doubt that our volunteers enrich the lives of these youth in Washington County in ways they will always remember. The talents, skills and interests our volunteers share have a lasting impact on all of us. They spend numerous hours working on tasks, such as organizing special events, helping members with 4-H projects, leading community service projects, educating, having fun with and encouraging our youth. They work to make the best better for our young people.

The work of 4-H volunteers is constant and isn’t always glorious with many details, deadlines, and changing needs of youth. Please be sure to celebrate National Volunteer Week by recognizing those who volunteer their time and energy in our youth — our future.

Thank you, once again, to all of those who generously give of themselves to help the youth of Washington County 4-H! You are the best!

Washington County 4-H Volunteer Stats

Our county wide volunteer crew is made of:

62 4-H Club leaders and Clover Kid leaders who meet with their clubs once a month, support their members throughout the year at other events, coordinate community service learning, and social outings for their members.

18 Youth Committee members who meet once a month to help plan, evaluate, brainstorm, advertise, recruit, fundraise, supervise. They are very active in 4-H events and program development.

26 Livestock Superintendents who are the experts in their species. They make suggestions for class/rule changes, arrange for their volunteer crews for weigh-ins, fair livestock set up, shows, and clean up. Many of them also lead workshops, tours, and training throughout the year to those project members.

9 elected Extension Council members who are the governing body of all Washington County Extension & Outreach and 4-H programs.

24 fair board members who meet monthly to plan the annual Washington County Fair. They maintain the grounds and facilities and work to bring entertaining and educational experiences to the fair each year.

HUNDREDS of episodic volunteers and donors who offer support for an event or two every year. They have their specialty and interest areas and help make those things happen for our 4-H members.

Youth volunteer as well! The 4-H program works to model for and train youth how to be giving members of their communities as well, and many of our youth do give back and volunteer for this program by assisting at day camps, teaching at workshops, serving at our events, setting up/cleaning up for fair. The list is endless!

Amy Green

Washington County 4-H/Youth Coordinator