Ocracoke's United Methodist youth group petitioned the school board for art classes.

The following letter will be presented by county manager Bill Rich at tonight's Hyde County Board of Commissioners meeting at 6pm in the Ocracoke School commons.

Dear Hyde County Board of Education,

We are writing to you about the recent cuts in the art program in Hyde County. As we recall in our pasts, we remember taking and enjoying art classes that are no longer offered to us today. As we think about the younger studentsand their futures, here's a list of reasons why we believe the Art Program should return to Hyde County.

We feel strongly about these points. We believe that if any funds are available, possibly funds being considered for board members' raises, they should be used for the Art Program.

Thank you for taking our concerns seriously,

The Ocracoke United Methodist Church Youth Group

Signed: Katie O'Neal, Kevin B. Perez, Carson F. O'Neal, Stacey M. O'Neal, Karen Perez, Darvin Contreras, Sidney Austin, Eldon Robinson, Lauren Strohl, Joseph Rammuni