Dear Editor: I was pleased to see in The Covington News of Sunday, May 10, the supplement on Career, Technical and Agricultural Education in the Newton County School System.

Looking a long way back to my high school years, I recognize that my courses in shop and vocational agriculture were among the most valuable of my learning experiences.

Now, retired after 40 years of teaching liberal arts at Oxford College of Emory University, I am deeply enjoying woodturning and vegetable gardening!

Over the last four years the Leadership Collaborative, made up of elected officials and staff from Newton County and its municipalities, has been looking forward and planning for Newton County’s development through the year 2050. We recognize that a literate, skilled workforce is absolutely essential for preserving and enhancing our shared life in community. I applaud the Newton County School System for this great program in career education paths.

Hoyt Oliver

Oxford City Council