The Demopolis City School Foundation recognized its strongest supporters yesterday with a special awards luncheon at the Demopolis Civic Center.

This was an opportunity to highlight the good work of the Foundation and to express the Foundation&8217;s gratitude for those who make generous financial contributions to assist in the work.

The Foundation is an integral part of the success of the Demopolis City Schools. Each year the Foundation awards grants to teachers. These grants are used for special projects that add unique learning experiences to the classrooms throughout our districts.

These grants are made possible through the individual donations of the Foundation&8217;s supporters and through fund-raising efforts performed throughout the year.

We have repeatedly heralded the impact our school district has on our community. The quality of our schools is known far and wide. We are a model community in relation to how we provide support to our school system.

In today&8217;s age of meager government funding for public schools and continued inane attempts to privatize through vouchers our school systems, the people of Demopolis continually step up and help not just fill gaps but provide additional resources so that our children can have the very best opportunities.

Because of these efforts, we can recruit quality teachers, our city can attract new business and our communities stay filled with people who enjoy the quality of life we offer.

The people recognized by the Foundation yesterday are stellar examples of the kind of supporters we all should be in helping to maintain a high standard of excellence in our schools.

And while it is easy for us to call for others to step up and donate and volunteer, we will do one better. While our publisher sits on the board, we will also make a financial donation.

Likewise, we encourage others to step up and make whatever pledge they can afford. Doing so will greatly benefit our community.