It isn’t often that we get mail and react with excitement.
However, Monday was one such day. The envelope notes that the letter is from Charlotte Latin School in Charlotte, North Carolina. Above the neatly-printed return label is a child’s signature: Archie Zimmer.
Curious, we tore into the letter with anticipation: Why would a child from North Carolina be writing to us, we thought?
To our surprise, it’s part of a class project in which young Archie chose to learn more about Arkansas as part of a geography assignment.
The letter begins:
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“Hello! I am a fourth grade student in North Carolina. In fourth grade, we do state reports, and I have chosen your state! I am very excited to learn more about the great state of Arkansas as I work on my report. Most of the information that we get for our reports will be from books and websites.
“We also like to get information from people who live in that state, too. This is why I am writing to you. I was hoping that you would be willing to send me some items to help me learn more about the best things in your state. It could be things like postcards, maps, pictures, souvenirs, general information, this newspaper article, or any other items that would be useful. You can mail items to Mrs. Smith’s Class, Charlotte Latin School, 9502 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC, 28277.
“Sincerely, Archie Zimmer.”
We would like to urge you, dear readers, to help young Archie with his report. Let’s not only send him items that tell our Arkansas story, but also our story of being Pine Bluff proud. I hope that each of you will take time, if only to write a note, to help out with this worthwhile project.
Too often these days, children seem uninterested in learning more about their nation and the world around them. We remember in school doing similar projects related to geography and history. It’s extra exciting for kids to write to someone far away and then get letters or other items in return.
We plan to send this editorial to Archie, along with a package of items that we feel tells our city’s and state’s story. We wish him luck with his project. Archie, the first thing you should know about Arkansas is that its people are caring. Whether in times of need or in celebration, we generally come together as one big family.
Second, as is the case in your home state, our state is full of natural beauty and resources. We hunt, fish, sight see in the Ozark Mountains and along the Mississippi River and enjoy crystal clear water along the Buffalo River. Our state is full of history as well, as former President Bill Clinton was born in Hope and served as our governor.
We hope that the people of our great city and state will help you better understand who we are. We are so glad to have heard from you.