Appreciates community’s support for Halloweenies
Editor:
I would like to thank all of the members of the community who came by Fincastle United Methodist Church for “Halloweenies” on October 31 for a free hot dog and drink, fellowship and a rest from trick-or-treating.
It is a joy and blessing to have this time together with you each year.
Katerina Yancey
Fincastle United Methodist Church
Thanks community for allowing service on School Board
Editor:
Thank you to the members of the Amsterdam District and all of the residents of Botetourt
County for their support for the last 16 years. It has been an honor and privilege to serve you on the Botetourt County School Board. Over the years, we have worked very hard to make our school division one of the most exemplary schools in Virginia and we have succeeded.
We have diligently worked to provide a quality staff of administrators, teachers, instructional assistants, bus drivers, maintenance and custodians, secretaries, and all the other auxiliary individuals who strive each and every day for the sake of our students. You all do such an amazing job and have made us very proud of our school division. It is each of you that have made a difference and without you, we would not be as successful as we are. I sincerely thank you for all you’ve done and what you will continue to do for our students.
We are on a journey toward excellence in all areas and we must continue to pursue that path, since one never ever fully arrives, but is constantly taking those roads that lead us to better opportunities.
I chose to live in Botetourt County and it will always hold a special place in my heart. Education has always been my passion and I made it my life’s career. Upon retirement, I chose to continue to serve a profession I love so dearly. My time spent on the School Board has been a most rewarding time for me and I will always look back with the fondest of memories.
The progress we have made in so many areas of our programs and offerings for students is definitely pointing them in the right direction. The opportunities available to them will help them choose their life’s work and become successful citizens. Jointly with the Board of Supervisors, we have worked very hard to help ensure them possibilities for jobs in our own Botetourt County. We want every student to realize their full potential and providing the opportunities we do will definitely help them achieve a great measure of success.
The school division is now at a crossroads for making some very crucial decisions. We must continue to address our aging facilities, continue to purchase buses and maintain a safe fleet to transport our students, continue to expand our programs to meet the needs of all our students, update our technology and classroom resources to continue to serve our students with the tools they so desperately need to succeed. Our world is constantly changing and the board must continue to meet the demands, in order for our students to compete with the best of them.
I will continue to do anything I can to help keep our educational plan moving forward. Our test scores have been the highest in the valley and that is not by accident, but happens because of our dedicated staff and all that they do each and every day. Botetourt has been blessed many times over with such fine individuals who continue to do their best and give their all.
My hope is that the plans that have been set in motion will continue and the needs of our students will be addressed, so that Botetourt can remain an exemplary school division.
I thank you all for allowing me to serve you in such an amazing school division and to do those things that I have dedicated my life to for the past five decades. It was worth every minute I spent doing what I love to do, advocating for a quality education for every child.
To my colleagues on the board, you have a tremendous challenge ahead of you in the next few years. I wish you the very best as you continue to navigate the educational plans that are set before you. This will not be easy, but ultimately, it will make a huge impact on what the Botetourt County Schools will be doing for its students. This is a very exciting time and I look forward with great anticipation to the plans coming to fruition.
The torch has been passed to Anna Weddle and I ask that you pick up where I‘ve left off. There’s so much to be done and such great opportunities awaiting our students. Best wishes to you as you begin your time serving the citizens of Botetourt.
Retirement for me is continuing to serve and work at the things I enjoy most, so I shall be pursuing others opportunities that come my way, but the School Board experience will always be one of the highlights of my educational career. Thank you all for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to serve you.
“Our Botetourt schools, there’s no better place to learn.”
Ruth Wallace
Daleville
Pillars of democracy stronger after election
Editor:
For the first time in 20 years, the Amsterdam seat on the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors has been contested in the general election. The pillars of democracy are just a little stronger in our county because of the public dialog and political dynamics that the contest produced.
I extend my thanks to the 2,781 Amsterdam District citizens who took the time to vote in the election. I express thanks as well to my opponent, Todd Dodson, for his four years of service to the county, and for the spirited campaign that he pursued.
I owe a profound debt of gratitude to the scores of people who supported me – people who placed yard signs, wrote letters of support, contributed funds, developed strategies, posted on Facebook, made door-to-door calls, and simply provided moral support and encouragement in the midst of an enormously competitive race.
Front and center in that effort were the members of my campaign committee – a dozen wonderful people, each and every one thoroughly motivated, tirelessly engaged, and steadfastly dedicated. We were sustained throughout the campaign by our shared belief in open, participative government.
Committee members, you prevailed against the odds! I thank you.
Looking ahead, my earnest desire and immutable goal is to help Botetourt citizens enjoy personal prosperity amidst a growing economy at the same time that we protect the unmatched beauty and inspiring history that surround us.
What is the best resource for achieving those ends? It is the ideas, skills, and wisdom of citizens from across the county. I will routinely engage that resource during the next four years, as we address the challenges and opportunities before us.
Steve Clinton
Daleville
