The halls of Thomas Hunter Middle School were again filled this past Wednesday, Aug. 21, as Mathews County Public Schools held a convocation ceremony marking the official start of the 2019-2020 academic year.

G.C. Morrow, chairman of the Mathews Board of Supervisors, issued opening greetings, saying “on behalf of the board of supervisors, I welcome you back” and highlighting how “the challenges you face are different in every grade.”

Morrow called teachers “our first line of defense,” and added, “we appreciate the time you all put in as we advance through the school year … welcome to our team.”

The Rev. Melissa Mason, chairman of the Mathews School Board, followed Morrow in delivering a welcome. “We can’t sing your praises enough, teachers, staff and custodians,” she said. “Each of you are an integral part of our community.”

“The number-one purpose of what we are working so hard for i...