Positive impact on JC juniors

To the editor:
It is amazing the positive impact we can have on our students when our community comes together.  The John Jay Center, Jay County High School, and many area young professionals held the 3rd annual Junior Trac Event on April 11 at JCHS.  
This event is to help junior class students think forward to what they want to pursue following high school.  It encourages juniors to take classes in their senior year which put them in the best position to succeed, and to get them on “trac” for some level of post-secondary education; whether that be college, certification programs, or training which will make them employable and successful following high school.
We want to thank the Jay County High School for allowing us to put together a program that can help students in a more hands-on way to answer some of the students’ questions.  We especially want to thank the many young professionals, over 40 in attendance, for taking time out of their busy lives and work schedules to show these high school students that their community cares about promoting success through education.  These young professionals were from all walks of life and had expertise and valuable information to share with the students.  Every professional’s input and expertise was vital in helping students understand paths for their future.  What a wonderful connection this is for the junior class and our young professionals.  What an amazing way to show that the Jay County Community is a great place to work, live, and grow.
We greatly appreciate all who were involved in making this event successful including the Jay County High School, JCHS Guidance Department, REMC, Walmart, Jay County Hospital, the Portland Foundation, the Education Success Coalition, our wonderful MC, and our 40-plus young professionals.
Thanks to all and we hope you look forward to joining us for another successful Junior Trac event in 2014.
Debbie Howell, student
services advisor,
John Jay Center

Bad choice
To the editor:
After reading the recommendation concerning which athletic conference Jay County should join, I was absolutely blown away by the numbers. Southern Wells checked in with 277 students, followed closely by South Adams with 369.
Those bullies from Leo checked in with 932 and are mainly responsible for bringing the average enrollment of the existing conference to 502 students per school. That means Jay County would have twice as many students (on average) as every school in the ACAC.
If any less was taken this year from a disastrous end for a terrific basketball team, it should be that a tougher schedule will prepare you for the tournament. I’m sorry, but I just don’t see too much improvement in the ACAC over our existing schedule.
Given the choice of what is over and what will be, I’m left with the impression that the powers that be at JCHS are dedicated to mediocrity.
Why not let the students decide who they want to compete against?
Larry Chittum
Portland

Dying
To the editor:
The dying of the Elm tree was blamed on the Dutch. The dying of the Ash tree is being blamed on the borer. I haven’t been told why my Oak and other trees are dying.
If you will look at the root system of these trees, you will discover these trees have been dying for years.
It is my opinion it’s man-made pollution.
Robert Study
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