Thumbs up

To the students at Pilot Mountain Middle School who placed second out of 17 teams in regional Battle of the Books competition. To prepare the students read a number of books on a list given out by the state competition committee, and worked to learn as much as they could about their chosen books.

The students did well, apparently, outdistancing all but one other school in the quiz bowl-type competition.

*****

To students at Mount Airy Middle School for holding their on Relay for Life event.

The students paid 50 cents a piece in order to walk a lap around the gym, then many of the students paid additional money to take part in several activities, all with the goal of raising money for cancer research and public awareness.

And in so doing, the students there showed a keen awareness that they can, even at this young age, make significant contributions to worthy causes.

*****

To the Surry County Board of Commissioners for its periodic practice of holding its meetings at locations other than the county administration building in Dobson. This past week the board met in Elkin, and meeting in more far-flung portions of the county gives residents there a chance to sit in on the government meetings without having to drive a long distance.

It might not seem like much, but doing this makes the board more accessible to the public, and that is always a good thing.

Thumbs down

To whoever stole a charity collection container from the Food Lion in Pilot Mountain, where visitors to the store could deposit change for Special Olympics.

Just how low can someone go?