Editor, This is in response to the letter to the editor printed in the Courier’s Aug. 11 edition, titled “Enthusiastic start to a new school year shared by First Day volunteer.”
As a matter of reference, there is no Midway Elementary as stated in the article, but rather Liberty Elementary.  
It was heartwarming to learn that Councilman Terry Doyle of the Midway City Council experienced the same first-day-of-school excitement that I experienced for more than 35 years as an educator.
I — and numerous other community leaders — were honored to receive a written invitation from Liberty County School System Superintendent Dr. Valya Lee to participate in “Day One,” a back-to-school initiative sponsored by school systems across the nation to support students in their academic endeavors at the start of a new year.
On Day One, my first stop was Liberty Elementary, where Principal Chris Anderson welcomed and thanked volunteers. With excitement and enthusiasm in the air, I had a super time as I walked the school’s green wing. Greeting teachers and staff, I made my way to the bus ramp, where I waved my pink “Welcome Cubs” sign to bus drivers, kindergarten and first-grade students
At Midway Middle School, I was cheerfully greeted by Principal Debra Frazier, who directed me to a position in the cafeteria, where I conversed with a staffer and distributed special engraved pencils to students who waited for the school day to begin.
Yes, it was truly an exciting, fun day. I always get excited when I visit one of our local schools to serve as a reader, a speaker, a special-program or event attendee or just to visit as a concerned citizen.
“Day One” was another super educational experience for me. Congratulations to the Liberty County School System for allowing our citizens to have a “Day One” hands-on experience. Kudos to all the parents, elected officials, business men and women, and concerned citizens for the volunteer service they rendered Aug. 7, 2013.

— Dr. Clemontine Washington
Midway mayor