Editor, Thank you to everyone who came out in support of our annual Western Ball. The successful event shed light on the increasing awareness of one of our greatest historical landmarks and its importance, Midway’s Dorchester Academy. The profits raised will go toward the restoration and upkeep of the center.
Some interesting facts about Dorchester Academy:
• Dorchester Academy is a historic site that was listed in 2009 as one of the top 11 most endangered historic sites in the  United States.
• The Dorchester Academy boys’ dormitory was built in 1935 was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1986. It was declared a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 2006.
• In 1968, The Liberty County school board integrated the white and black schools. This was at the behest of the black people at Dorchester. This school integration is reported to have been among the first in Georgia.
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. often traveled to the black-owned and operated Dorchester center, where he and his instructors used the center to train thousands of teachers in the basics of voter education and non-violent social change.
• In 1970, local people, with help from the board, built a swimming pool for a summer youth program.
A special note of gratitude to Mr. William Austin for his tireless efforts in ensuring that this historical landmark is restored to its original state.
On behalf of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Order of the Eastern Star, Masonic Lodge Organization and Hi Fidelity Social Club, we extend a heartfelt thank you, and we look forward to even more participation as we sponsor this very worthy event to restore Dorchester Academy!

— Barbara Jackson
Committee chairwoman