Editor, Gazette-Journal:

As a career educator, like my peers, I always appreciate my time off for Christmas. For schools, the season also ushers in a time of giving for the students and staff at Thomas Hunter Middle School; this would be a special year. Our Beta Club did its seasonal food drive, we supported the Marines’ Toys for Tots program, two special young ladies collected stuffed animals for CHKD, and we partnered with Mathews Social Services to aid families over the holidays.

Each one of these programs was a success, meaning children and adults in our community and throughout the region will be positively impacted for Christmas. This year we also sponsored one program that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

As many of you are aware, we recently experienced a medical emergency involving one of our students that, through the heroic efforts of two staff members, led to his full recovery. To support this young man and his grandmother, we held a fundraiser d...