We would like to congratulate the faculty and student body of Newton High School for raising nearly $9,000 for Newton County’s annual Relay for Life. We would also like to applaud Newton English teacher George Miles for running to inspire students and teachers to give.

After almost four months of preparation, Miles decided to run last Friday and keep running at the school as long as $100 was raised every period of the Relay. Students could get out of class by donating .20 cents to watch Miles run.

The 56-year-old teacher, whose sister and friend are cancer survivors, ran 37 miles of laps for more than six-hours. We have no doubt he slept well Friday night, not only because of exhaustion, but also from the satisfaction of knowing that his effort helped raise $1,700 for the Relay cause.

Cancer has touched everyone either directly or through a loved one. Well-funded research is the only way to reverse the last statement and Relay’s across America raise money for cancer research.

We are proud that Miles teaches in Newton County because he is an excellent role model for our students.