In Appreciation Of Students

And Parents

To the Editor:

Many of you may not be aware that there is a fantastic club at the high school for kids interested in politics and current events that allows for quality debate on current issues both at school and at regional conventions. This club also participates in a Washington, D.C., tour of our Capitol and mock Congress.

Having been the Junior State of America club advisor since our local chapter’s founding in 1999, I have had the privilege of working with some of the finest young adults anywhere and some of the most supportive parents around. This year and last the core of our founding membership has graduated so I just wanted to take a moment to thank them.

Thank you students who have thrilled me with your insights, devotion, and humor. Thank you for asking my opinion on your debates and sharing your experiences with me. Thank you for keeping track of me on trips and making sure I never had to eat a meal alone (unless I wanted to). Thank you for bringing supplies and making pies. Thanks for your gifts, they were all greatly appreciated.

Thank you parents for driving kids as close as NHS and as far as Boston. Thank you for sitting at the High School at 2 am waiting for the bus. Thank you for giving up entire weekends to chaperone our conferences. Thank you for buying supplies for our meetings, trips, and miniconferences. Thank you for attending and participating. Thank you for standing for hours in the rain watching Frisbee. Thank you for listening to me and helping me to deal with issues.

Of course most of these thank yous also apply to our current students and parents but I expect to be able to thank them in person for some time to come.

I wish our departing students the best of luck in what ever they do. They will make great contributions to our world. And I extend a very fond farewell to R.S. and J.S. Thanks for sharing your lives with me.

Randi Kiely

18 Botsford Hill Road, Newtown                             August 13, 2003