Teacher praises behavior of JC students (10/15/05)

To the editor:

On Wednesday, Oct. 12, Paul Szymczak and I took 50 Jay County High School seniors to the Indiana Statehouse and War Memorial in Indianapolis. The students were given a “real-life” experience with government. During our guided tour of the Statehouse, students saw where our Indiana government introduces, debates, enforces and interprets our state laws. The students were also exposed to the solemn, but patriotic, displays at the Indiana War Memorial. The exhibits at the war memorial gave tribute to the men and women who have supported our freedom and democracy throughout our nation’s history.

I was overcome with admiration by the dignity and pride shown by the students the entire day. Mr. Szymczak and I received several compliments throughout the day regarding the “outstanding behavior” of the students. I would like to share a moment that exemplifies the high esteem and character that our students possess.

As we entered the rotunda of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the students admired and respected the price paid by fallen heroes. Given the vast open area with high ceilings and marble floors, any sound would be amplified. Even a tiny whisper would be heard as it were spoken into a public address system. All of the students, not just a few of them, were completely silent during this time. You could have heard a pin drop in that room. It would have taken only one student to get bored and start talking, but this simply did not happen. If I could sum up the explanation for this in two words it would be dignity and respect. I feel that these qualities not only make our students successful, but also outstanding citizens.

I was given the pleasure of inheriting the government program from Steve Ford and Jane Switzer. They had extreme success with the program during their tenure at JCHS, and I knew that I had big shoes to fill. Reflecting upon my experience with the students at Jay County High School, I have learned very important lesson: The students make it happen. Their continued respect breathes the life into their experiences in and out of the classroom. I could not have been more proud to be affiliated with the group that went to Indianapolis, and I feel that the community should be proud of them as well.

Ben Dues, government teacher,

Jay County High School

Van damaged

To the editor:

On Thursday, Oct. 6 between 4 and 5:30 p.m., someone in the parking lot of the Portland Pizza Hut hit my ruby red Kia Sedona. I parked against the curb near the entrance, away from most other cars in the parking lot, for the reason that my vehicle would not be damaged by others who are careless and have no respect for other people’s property.

Somebody hit and scraped the paint off the bumper on the driver’s side. This person had to know they hit my van but drove off and didn’t have the courtesy to let me know what happened. I have only had this vehicle for one month and this will cost me out of pocket money to fix.

You know who you are and I hope that you can live with yourself. If I would have done that to someone else’s vehicle I would have gone in and told that person I hit their vehicle.

Anyone that was in the area during that time and who may have seen this happen, please contact me at (260) 726-4531. Thanks

Jennifer Rockwell

Portland

Albany says thanks

To the editor:

The Albany Town Council would like to thank you for signing petitions to keep the Albany branch of the bureau of motor vehicles open.

Thank you for attending the BMV hearings, those who spoke, and the way everybody conducted themselves. This made a great impression on (BMV) Commissioner Silverman.

Thank you Delaware County Commissioners John Brooke, Tom Bennington and Larry Crouch, and State Sen. Allie Craycraft, for your support.

Thank you State Rep. Bill Davis for all you did.

Bill was in Albany several times to meet with council members, and also had meetings with Commissioner Silverman and Governor Daniels requesting this branch remain open.

Many thanks to everyone, and we hope you return to the friendly atmosphere of the Albany BMV.

James D. Clevenger Sr.,

president, Albany Town Council[[In-content Ad]]