Cumberland County Public Schools recently celebrated the second annual Betty G. Scales Day of Service with numerous activities and events. The Day of Service was established by proclamation of the Cumberland Board of Supervisors in honor of long-time educator Betty Scales, who died on May 12, 2015. Scales was known for her dedication to education and her legacy of service to others. In her memory, students and staff members engaged in varied service projects.

Pre-Kindergarten students made holiday cards for servicemen and women. Kindergarten students collected items for rescue missions. First graders collected stuffed animals for the sheriff’s department to distribute to children who are involved in traumatic experiences. They also read to kindergarten students. Second graders took over some custodial duties during lunch periods to allow custodians extra time for lunch. Fourth graders collected items for the local animal shelter and even made dog treats for the dogs in the shelter. Fourth graders also created care packages for veterans receiving long-term care in the VA hospital. Fifth graders made cards for servicemen and women. Sixth graders put together nursing home packets. Seventh and eighth graders collected food for the local food bank and board games for the Christmas Mother.

In addition, staff members at the school board collected toys to be distributed by the Department of Social Services, and Cumberland Elementary School office staff collected board games for the Christmas Mother.

The Cumberland High School Career and Technical Education department sponsored a Brunswick stew from noon-2 p.m. for all Cumberland first responders. It was held in the horticulture class greenhouse, with a welcoming ceremony done by the JROTC. Other classes and organizations at the high school engaged in numerous activities, including making cards for veterans, soldiers and nursing home residents; writing notes of inspiration to the patients of the dialysis center in Farmville; and collecting food and toys for the Cumberland Animal Shelter. High School administrators provided cinnamon buns and coffee for staff members.