I am delighted to read of Jayne Cummings' selection as Moore County's Teacher of the Year. She is beyond deserving.

However, I do wish the editorial staff of The Pilot would get one thing right: The Arc of Moore County is not "the Moore County Association of Retarded Citizens" and has not been since 1995 when the N.C. secretary of state granted a formal name change to our 50-plus-year organization.

I have sent on numerous occasions a handout to reporters and editors of The Pilot -- "How to Refer to The Arc" -- and have personally spoken with or written to these same staff members about the name of The Arc.

We practice very fervently a person-centered philosophy, and that is reflected in the change from "retarded citizens" (labeling people) to simply The Arc (capital "A," little "r," little "c").

If one must clarify for its readers what The Arc is or does, please simply state that we exist to enhance the lives of people of all ages with cognitive, intellectual or other developmental disabilities.

Sorry, but this has been a battle for too long. Come on, give us the proper recognition, which we and the people we support deserve!

Wendy Russell, Executive Director

The Arc of Moore County