Letters to the editor / News Virginian
Published: June 16, 2007

Don't change Kate Collins

An article appeared in a local publication this week about the Waynesboro School Board possibly renaming Kate Collins Middle School. The article quoted a school system official suggesting Kate Collins' service files had been lost.

Kate Merryman Collins was born in 1893 in Augusta County, and was a distinguished public educator and a woman worthy to have a school named in her honor after 50 years of service in Virginia and Waynesboro schools. The following is a summary of her contributions.

She graduated from Covington High, attended Madison College, and graduated from the University of Virginia. She taught in a one-room Rockbridge school (1913-1914), served as principal of a two-room school in Vesuvius (1914-1915), and was principal at Raphine (1915-1919). From 1919 to 1927 she served as a teacher and basketball coach at Basic High School (later Wenonah Elementary) at 254 Florence Ave. As a teacher, she formed the first PTA and was principal of the school (1933-1957). Later, she was principal at Wayne Hills Elementary School until retirement in 1963, completing 50 years of service.

In April 1963, when Collins was 70, the Waynesboro City School Board named the new school "Kate Collins Junior High School."
Her contributions to Waynesboro's schools were legendary, but she accomplished more. She served as president of the American Legion Auxiliary, president of the Business and Professional Women's Club, secretary of the Waynesboro Welfare Alliance, and president of the Waynesboro Education Association. She served as deaconess of the Waynesboro First Baptist Church and taught a ladies' bible class. She taught mission study classes in churches throughout the Shenandoah Valley and was director of Baptist Youth Camps for girls. She wrote a history of the First Baptist Church.

Why is it not appropriate to retain the name of Kate Merryman Collins for the renovated middle school- She was a distinguished female educator who gave a high caliber of service over 44 years to children, parents and teachers of Waynesboro.   

Dr. K.W. Stanley
Waynesboro

Leave the name alone
I was very disappointed to learn that the Waynesboro School Board is considering renaming Kate Collins Middle School. Justification for this "possibility" is that records of Miss Kate Collins have been lost, and there is an implication that few people know much about this former local educator. With a little appropriate research, the school board or superintendent's office could gather this information and educate themselves and the public. Isn't that the job of educators-

Following the school board's logic, will future boards years from now want to rename the Berkeley Glenn and William Perry schools because of "lack of information" and faded memories-

Since few people know anything about Anthony Wayne, perhaps Waynesboro City Council will want to change our community's name to "River City."

Andrew L. Shifflett
Former history and government teacher
Waynesboro

Dooms VFD says thanks

We would like to thank the community for all the support given the Dooms Volunteer Fire Department during their carnival. The support given us made our event a success. A special thanks to the citizens of Waynesboro who not only attended and supported the carnival but several who expressed their disappointment in us having to relocate outside the city, as well as those who made monetary donations to show their support.

Thanks to each and every DVFD member, family member and auxiliary member for their many hours of working the carnival as well as helping prepare for it.

Our gratitude to the Augusta County Sheriff's Office for the excellent security provided for our carnival. A huge thanks goes to Mrs. Cecil Boggs for the lovely handmade quilt she donated to be raffled.

Thanks also to Industrial Fabrications for the Bingo tent, to West Virginia Amusements for another great year of fun rides, games, foods and entertainment. Thanks to John Boy's Chicken for the delicious chicken that sold out in record time both days it was available. Thanks seem so little to say to the Dooms family for allowing us to use their land. A special thanks to the Wilson Fire Department for assisting with our stand-by calls.

Thanks again to everyone that showed their support in any way, including the ones that just rode by and blew their horn, waved or hollered out some words of support. This is what helps keep our great department growing and moving toward the future. We look forward to serving you in the future and plan to make next year's event bigger and better than ever, so put us on your agenda!

Cindy Wade
President
Dooms Volunteer Fire Department