Editor, Project Reach G.A.N.G. Inc. and I give credit to God for inspiring us to host this year’s Back to School Rally. The 2013 event drew more than 2,000 people. A special thanks to all of the program participants, sponsors, booth participants, youth and parents. There would not have been a rally without you. Rally 2013 was dedicated to Mr. Ernie Terrell Walthour, who was an honorary member of Project Reach G.A.N.G. Inc. I dearly love and miss my brother.
Plans already are under way for the 2014 Back to School Rally, which will be July 12, 2014. Email projectreach_gang@yahoo.com or download a preregistration form at www.projectreachgang.com.
Program participants: Verdell Jones, Liberty County School Board Member, District 1; Alexis Allen, Project Reach; Leah Hayes; Riceboro Mayor William. T. Austin; Liberty County School Board Chairwoman Lily Baker; Omari Walthour, Project Reach; Liberty County Commissioner Chairman Donald Lovette and District 2 Commissioner Justin Frasier; and rally speakers Maj. Tony Jones, 4-3 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd ID Infantry Division, Midway Middle School Principal Debra Frazier and Donnie Pulliam, class of 2013.
The 2013-14 consecrated school year prayer was given by Dr. John P. Johnson. Liberty County School System Superintendent Dr. Valya S. Lee and Rep. Al Williams, D-Midway, who were unable to attend, sent their blessings for a great school year.
Sponsors were: SNF Chemtall Inc., the city of Riceboro, Riceboro Church of God, State Farm insurance agent Verdell Jones, the Liberty County Recreation Department, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, the Liberty County road department, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce, Nu Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Mark Floyd, the Liberty County Blazers, Gifted Concepts Inc., The Heritage Bank, Elaine Boggs Realty, WTOC-TV, Southern Company Georgia Power, ML Trucking Inc., the Coastal Courier, Bishop Raymond Napper of WGML 990 AM, Liberty County EMS., Project Reach G.A.N.G.’s parent association, the Long County E-Z Riders, Greater Works Community Church in Midway, Liberty County Solid Waste, Keep Liberty Beautiful, St. James Community Sports Center, 3rd ID Infantry Division public affairs, Lyman Hall Elementary School, Liberty County School System Director of Title Programs Carol Spurlin, Joy 100.1 FM, Liberty County Mosquito Control, Project Reach G.A.N.G. members Melissa Allen, Gwen Abney, Shannon LeCounte and Fernon Wilkins Jr. (DJ), Liberty County Convention and Visitors Bureau, New Day Community Church, Pure Platinum Social Club, Navy Federal Credit Union, Avon representative Delores Mitchell, Commissioner Marion Stevens, Elder Anthony Keith Johnson and other Project Reach members.
Booth participants were: Project Reach G.A.N.G., SNF Chemtall, Liberty County Health Department, Bevin’s Lawn Services, Riceboro Fire Department, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Avon representative Delores Mitchell, Riceboro Church of God, KINDAS Entertainment Inflatables, Liberty County Blazers, Jones Hayride, Liberty County United Way, Keep Liberty Beautiful, Liberty County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Amerigroup Community Care Unit, Hospice of Savannah, Right from the Start, Helen’s Haven Advocacy for Children, Liberty County 4H, GeoVista Federal Credit Union, Long County EZ Riders, Interstate Credit Union, 4th Brigade Combat Team, Static Display, Liberty County DCFS, Simply Families, Liberty and Long employer committee, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Guardians in Action Inc., Brenda Henderson of Allied Schools, Peach State Health Plan-Pinnacle, ORANGO Gold, Allied American University, The Heritage Bank, MAXIMUS-Georgia Healthy Families, the Carolyn pink fire truck, GACHI, Essence Hair Salon, Premier Counseling Services, Navy Federal Credit Union, Je’Trai Braids and Beauty Salon, Georgia Forestry Department, the city of Hinesville, Tied to Success, Liberty County EMA, the Army and Pure Platinum Social Club.
A very special thanks to G.A.N.G., Shannon LeCounte, George Floyd, the praise team, choir, band, Gwen Abney, Anthony Johnson, Jacqui Day, Sharon Woodard, Chanice and Jarquel Frazier, St. James Community Church and the LeCounte family.
Project Reach G.A.N.G. Inc. would like to thank each of you from the bottom of our hearts. Sponsors and booth participants not listed were received after the printing of the program. We could not have done this without God and your support. We hope to see you for the next rally Saturday, July 12, 2014.

— Lavonia LeCounte
Project Reach G.A.N.G. Inc. executive director