Editor, The Herald:

On behalf of Prince Edward County Middle School administration, faculty, staff, and students, I would like to thank everyone who had a part in making our “Taking Strides Against Bullying” pledge walk such a success.

On Saturday, Sept. 22, over 200 members of the community gathered together at the high school track to send the important message that bullying will not be tolerated in our homes, our schools, and our community. Attendees logged over 400 laps against bullying!

We would like to extend a special thank you to community partners that sponsored booths at the pledge walk: Noah's Last Stop, Prince Edward County Sheriff's Department, Special Olympics, and Longwood University's P.E. Times Three Program. Our students were also excited to meet and pose with members of the Longwood Men's Basketball team! A fun inflatable bounce house and a spirited DJ added to the positive spirit of the event (thanks DJ Shawn)!

Thanks also to Prince Edward County Middle School clubs and organizations that sponsored booths: National Junior Honor Society, Yearbook Staff, Middle School Cheer Team, D.R.E.A.M. Drama Club, Eagle Watch, Olweus Anti-Bullying Committee, A.S.K. (Adolescents, Self-worth, Knowledge), and Mr. Copenhaver's (“Copie's”) Bike Safety. We would like to extend a warm thanks to Dr. Maurice Smith, Ms. Teresa Vance, and faculty members of the planning committee for their dedication and hard work in planning this event.

To our Superintendent, Dr. K. David Smith, to administration and faculty at Prince Edward County High School and Elementary School, to School Board Members, and to other division leaders who supported the event – thank you!

In my excitement, I may have left somebody off of this important list of thanks. Please accept my apologies, and know that without your generous support, we could not have made such tremendous “strides against bullying”!

Lucy B. Carson

Principal, Prince Edward County Middle School