As we begin a new school year, the Jasper County School District wishes to thank everyone who helped make our districtwide celebration a success. This staff event and motivational rally was held at Sun City Hilton Head thanks to our donor, Lowcountry Regional Educational Center, Personal Pathways to Success.

Sun City is located in both Jasper and Beaufort counties, an ideal location for the celebration. Most of our volunteers within the district are from Sun City. We thank them for their contributions to improve the Jasper County School District.

School districts across the state participate in similar events each year.

No taxpayer money was used for the facility, and no food was served. It was held to inspire our teachers and staff to have a wonderful school year.

We were honored to have our students participating in the event, including the color guard from Ridgeland-Hardeeville High School, as well as musical selections performed by the newly formed Ridgeland-Hardeeville High School marching band and by our middle and high school students.

The event featured inspirational speakers and special guests. Our master of ceremonies was Tom Conner, retired superintendent of the Washington, Pa., School District. Our guest speaker was James Hoerner, renowned speaker on educational reform. Both men freely gave their time to participate in our event, and their generosity is appreciated.

Our theme this year is "Building Bridges to Excellence: Communities and Schools United," and we are working each day to build more bridges.

Shellie Murdaugh Public information officer Jasper County School District Ridgeland