Dear Editor:

My son, Marcus Fields applied for one job in Barnwell 45 school district for the position of a teacher.

When the school superintendent recognized his leadership ability, she promoted him to the position of director of transportation. Marcus performed this job so well until when the new superintendent came on board, he recognized the superb job that this director was doing.

When I introduced myself to Mr. Sapough at the drop-in to welcome him to Barnwell, he commented on the fine job my son was doing with the transportation department.

Marcus continued his studies and received his education specialist degree Dec. 16, 2008.

Because of his leadership ability, on Jan. 5, 2009, the very day that he returned from winter break, he was asked to take the position of assistant principal at Guinyard-Butler Middle School.

I state these facts because there are some people who have gone online and stated that Marcus is bucking for position. When you are conscientious and can do your job well, it is not necessary to buck for position.

The young man is just good at what he does and obviously there are those intimidated by his strength.

I am his mother and I want you all to know that his strength and power are not of this earth but they come from God. I gave all of my children over into the hands of the Lord at birth and He has been their guide. In Isaiah 54:17 it states that no weapon formed against the child of God shall prosper. It goes on to say that every tongue that rises against thee in judgment thou shall condemn.

So I ask you, for your sake, do not judge my son.

Instead pray for the leaders of the school system of Barnwell. We have never been in such turbulence as we are today. The children of Barnwell will suffer behind this chaos because Marcus is good for Guinyard-Butler Middle School.

How many of you have walked through the halls of GBMS in the last year? If you have, you have noticed that the atmosphere has changed and it is now an environment conducive for learning. Do you really want to take that away from the children of Barnwell?

Marcus is a product of Barnwell 45 and he has always made me proud. I am just as proud of him today as I was when he received his first degree, his second degree and his third degree and his fourth!

He is standing tall for what he believes in and that makes me very proud. No one has ever won a battle running away from it.

Continue to stand tall my son. Justice will prevail.

Sincerely,

Willie G. Fields
Barnwell