To the Editor:

As chairman of the Board of Trustees for Beaufort County Community College, I must tell you how excited I was to read the article about A.J. Middleton and his welding kills. I watched this young man and his classmates graduate from the Early College High School last spring. Such students are an elite group of young people who finish high school with two years of college credit or an associate degree in their chosen field. A.J. has overcome much and worked very hard to get to where he is today. No doubt, with his work ethic and desire to continue his education, he is charting his own course.

This is a prime example of what community colleges do. Beaufort County Community College was there for A.J., just like it is for anyone in our service area that would like to make a change for the better in his or her life. We are a service institution dedicated to teaching, training and retraining both young and old. The staff and faculty of Beaufort County Community College are second to none. They are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.

Allow me to remind you of how fortunate we are to have this college in Beaufort County. I’m proud to be a graduate and member of the board. I consider myself an ambassador and a cheerleader for the college. I thank the Daily News for sharing A.J.’s story. Take my word for it that there are many like him who say thanks to community colleges for helping to make a difference in their lives. If college is in your future, or even in the back of your mind, I want to invite you to visit the Beaufort County Community College campus. You will be amazed at the friendly atmosphere and the willingness of others to help you. Don’t put it off. Pay us a visit!

Russell Smith

Washington