WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020
1B
THE COASTLAND TIMES
Dare County Families and Friends, I would like to wish you a joyous holiday season, a restful winter break, and a prosperous and reflective new year. As the remaining weeks of 2020 approach, I have been reflecting on this past year. Despite the often turbulent and unprecedented challenges that came before us, I am thankful for many things:
I am thankful for the unwavering dedication and commitment of the Dare County Schools staff. Our remarkable employees have shown that they will always rise to the occasion, doing whatever the moment requires to ensure that our students’ best interests always come first. I am thankful for our kind, loving, and supportive community. I am thankful that we live in a place where we take care of each
other. I am thankful for the many first responders and public healthcare professionals who give their absolute best to keep us all safe and healthy. I am thankful for our freedom and for the men and women who serve in our armed forces -- many of whom are away from their families during this holiday season. I am thankful for each and
every one of you. As we look to the start of a new year, let us remember that our most significant accomplishments are achieved by working together. On behalf of Rena, Jack, and Cate, I wish you a safe, healthy, and restful holiday season. My warmest wishes,
Students in the Cape Hatteras Secondary publications class could select among several assignments. This student chose to write a letter to Santa from the point of view their pets. Dear Santa, My name is Punkin. And this year, more than anything, I really want to help pull your sleigh. Ever since I was a young
kitten I was fascinated by the idea of magical reindeer that could fly. Also I hear that all the children leave out a plate of treats and if there’s one thing I love more than food, it’s treats. Now, to convince you even more that you should allow me to help pull your sleigh, I’m going to tell you a few things about me. I spend most of the year sleeping, so I’ll be very well
rested when it comes Christmas Eve. I probably get over 20 hours of sleep a day! That’s a lot of sleep so I’ll have tons of energy for pulling the sleigh. I’m also a great traveler. I’ve gone on a few trips with my family and I do very well, I’ve only gotten car sick once and that was when I was a little kitten. Also, I’m always on alert. I’ll be sure we don’t get caught or seen by any little kids hoping
to see you in the act. I’m quick to run at any loud or suspicious noise. With me on the team, we’ll never have to worry, I can promise you that. Hopefully, there are enough reasons for you to pick me to help pull your sleigh. I really hope I can, it would mean so much to me.
John Farrelly Superintendent, Dare County Schools
Santa letter contributed by Isabella Lettieri, Cape Hatteras Secondary School
On behalf of everyone at the North Carolina Department of Transportation, we’d like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and the best of health and happiness in 2021. 2020 has been a challenging year for many, but we have every expectation that the next year will be a better one. At NCDOT, we’ll be continuing our efforts to connect the people of Northeastern North Carolina to their homes, schools, jobs and services. We’ll continue to shore up vulnerable parts of NC 12 on Ocracoke Island, and be nearing completion on the Rodanthe ‘Jug Handle’ Bridge and a replacement for the Hertford S-Bridge. We’ll start construction to make Colington Road safer, and we’re expecting delivery on two brand new river-class ferries. We’re looking forward to the future at NCDOT, and we hope all of you enjoy the holiday season and have a happy and prosperous New Year.
Allen Moran, NCDOT Board Member