In Our Opinion

Pulaski County: Where people make the difference

We believe that Pulaski County is a great place to live. Situated in the beautiful New River Valley, we feel this community is as picturesque a setting as can be found anywhere.

The place we call home is graced with rolling farmland sheltered by rugged mountains and the New River- the cleanest river in the Commonwealth- making its way northward on its long journey to the Atlantic. Yes, Pulaski County is a beautiful place.

As beautiful as its landscape is, though, the greatest thing about Pulaski County is its people. They come from a wide variety of places and backgrounds. Some are descended from pioneers of Southwest Virginia while others are the children of those who came here during the mining and textile booms of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Others came later and for different reasons, but they came and together they - all of us- have made this county the place it is.

Pulaski County and the towns of Pulaski and Dublin have seen their fortunes rise and fall over the years, but through good times and bad, the people of this county have made the difference.

One of those people is Holly Bess Kincaid, art teacher at Dublin Middle School. Kincaid was recently chosen Southeastern Middle School Art Educator of the Year for 2006 by the National Art Education Association. This is a tremendous honor not only for Kincaid, but also for Pulaski County Schools and the citizens of Pulaski County, She has been recognized by superintendent of schools, Don Stowers as, "One of the hardest working people I know."

This is not the first time Kincaid's talents as an educator have been publicly acknowledged. Last year, she was chosen the Virginia Art Education Association's 2005 Middle School Art Teacher of the Year.

A native of Beckley, WVa., Kincaid is a prime example of one who has come to Pulaski County and made a difference.

We congratulate Holly Bess Kincaid on being recognized for her commitment to enhancing the educational experiences of many of our children.

To Kincaid and her colleagues in education, to those who serve this community working in the private and public sectors, to those who provide healthy home environments for our children, to all of you, our neighbors who make a difference, we say, Thank you, for making Pulaski County a great place to live.