A summer reading assignment proved to be more than just an enjoyable exercise for Valwood's fourth grade.  Shiloh, the 1992 Newbery Medal winning book by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, is the story of an 11-year-old boy who finds and cares for an abused dog near his West Virginia home. The story provided inspiration for the class's 2009 service project.    In keeping with the theme of the book, the fourth graders visited the Valdosta Humane Society where they met many cats and dogs in need of homes. To provide for these animals, the students began doing chores at home to raise money for the purchase of various items needed at the shelter.  On December 4^th, the students set up a Humane Society booth at First Friday in downtown Valdosta.  Here they sold hot chocolate, pet supplies, and even displayed some of the animals that need a home.  Summer reading, caring and compassion, hours of chores and manning a booth downtown certainly add up to Academics, Character, Service.  Congratulations to the fourth grade for a job well done!