Letters To The Editor

Thu., Nov. 19, 1998

WV students praised

Today’s young people are often criticized for being too self-centered, for not caring and for not being involved.

After attending the West Valley High School student sponsored Veterans Day program and the high school musical production of “Bye Bye Birdie,” I would like to respond to those criticisms.

At the Veterans Day assembly, the message for the veterans in attendance was loud and clear. “We (the students) appreciate your service to our country. We respect you and honor you.” That message was conveyed through the combined efforts of the band, the drill team, the flag ensemble and student body leaders.

The selfless efforts that went into the very successful school production of “Bye Bye Birdie” speak for themselves. Hours of rehearsal time, coordination and cooperation between the music and drama departments, and student leadership and responsibility were all evident.

Experiences such as these make me particularly proud to be a member of the West Valley High School community. Bill Zimmer (WV board member) Spokane

Tribute inspiring

I attended a tribute to America’s Veterans at West Valley High School on Nov. 10. Truly an inspiring event. The students, marching band, dance team and ASB officers, under the guidance and direction of Lauretta Woolf-Block, presented the program. Lt. Col. Russell V. Pritchard from Gonzaga University, a highly decorated veteran himself, gave the introductory remarks defining what is a veteran.

The band played the musical melody of many World War II songs, and if you looked around the audience of old timers one would see a misty eye here and there, remembering the days and times of long ago, but not forgotten. A video salute to veterans was shown. Some were students’ relatives; some were teachers, friends and also those who sacrificed to preserve our way of life.

The closing was the Retirement of the Colors and a reception followed in the cafeteria.

I believe this presentation gave the students a closer look into our American heritage and what was sacrificed by the men and women of yesterday to preserve the freedom of today and tomorrow. West Valley School District is very fortunate to have an administrator-teacher of the high caliber as Lauretta Woolf-Block and the foresight to conceive and implement this program. A salute not only to the veterans, but also to Woolf-Block for a job well done. W.R. “Bill” Fautch Newman Lake

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