8th-grade author of letter President Obama read to sit with Obama's family tonight

[babylonsister]

J.V. Martin student gets seat of honor

By JAMES ROSEN

McClatchy Newspapers


WASHINGTON – Ty'Sheoma Bethea, an eighth-grader at J.V. Martin Junior High School in Dillon, S.C., will sit with President Barack Obama’s family tonight when he delivers his first address to Congress.

Ty’Sheoma was invited to sit in First Lady Michelle Obama’s mezzanine box in the House of Representatives chamber, thanks to her recent letter imploring lawmakers to help her crumbling school built in 1896.

Ty’Sheoma's letter made its way to Obama, who campaigned at J.V. Martin in 2007.

Obama cited J.V. Martin two weeks ago in his first presidential news conference as a symbol of decaying schools that would be replaced by funds in his economic-stimulus plan.

"The president and first lady were moved by Ty'Sheoma's heartfelt letter and are looking forward to welcoming her to D.C.," said Gannet Tseggai, a White House spokeswoman.

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http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/62711.html

[firedupdem]

1. What an experience! Great! n/t

[Common Sense Party]

2. PART of the school was built in 1896. Other parts in 1912 and later.

The people of the Dillon area have always taken a deep interest in educational matters. The first school was established about the time the town was born. The school occupied a single room where the First Baptist Church now stands, and it was one of the first graded schools in the state. In 1896, the school sessions were held in the white building located behind what is now J.V. Martin Junior High School. This building is still in use, providing classrooms for J.V. Martin and district office space upstairs.



The central building of what was at the time Dillon High School (now J.V. Martin Junior High School) was erected in 1912, with the first floor composed of classrooms and the second floor, an auditorium. At the time of its erection, it was considered one of the best plants in South Carolina. With the building of an auditorium at West Elementary School, the second floor was cut into classrooms, some of which were later converted into a library. In 1936, a gymnasium, an auditorium, a home economics department, and two science laboratories were added.

In 1957, a new wing consisting of classrooms, a band room, and district offices was built. The new cafeteria constructed at this time brought to an end the double-session day when students were allowed to go home for lunch during the lunch period. The following year, the original portion of the school plant was remodeled and redecorated.

In 1920, 30 boys and 52 girls attended Dillon High School, for a total enrollment of 82 students. The library maintained a collection of 600 books, and subscribed to 8 magazines. By 1947, 335 pupils were enrolled in the high school. In 1948, the twelfth grade was added to the high school. At the same time, the need for ample playground facilities became acute. The athletic field was moved from the school grounds to its present location.

In 1937, 35 students graduated with 11 years of schooling. In 1965, 119 students graduated with 12 years of schooling. The graduating class of 1970 consisted of 118 members.

In the spring of 1970, with the opening of a new high school building on Highway 301 North, the school was transformed into a junior high school, serving grades 8 and 9. The school was renamed J.V. Martin Junior High School, in memory of the late Mr. J.V. Martin, who served as superintendent of the Dillon School System for 29 years.

On November 8, 1980, the central portion of the main building was destroyed by fire. The administrative office, the library, and 16 classrooms were obliterated. While this portion of the school was being rebuilt, students attended school in Little Rock. New facilities were completed in March of 1983. Also, during the summer of 1982, the classrooms in the white building were remodeled.

In the summer of 2000, the 9th grade was moved to Dillon High School and the 7th grade was moved from Maple Junior High School to J.V. Martin Junior High School.

[AtomicKitten]

3. Wonderful. ;)

[Thrill]

4. How fitting. A South Carolina School

What better way to rub in that arrogant Governor's face

[mzteris]

5. ohhhhhhh how clever. . .

Obama's always one step ahead, isn't he?

[CTyankee]

6. The guy is pure genius! Every time the stoopid repubs open their yaps, Obama comes

in and takes over so gracefully and artfully. This guy is GOOD.

[EraOfResponsibility]

7. cool