Editor, Times-Union: I am finally going to write my feelings on the Catholic priests situtation. When I read the article on the front page this morning (Saturday), I was irate! The abusive priests should not be treated any better than any ordinary man that rapes a child. He should be arrested and put in jail! In fact, I think they should be treated worse than that. The children look up to them. They are worse than the ordinary rapist and should be treated as such.
Thank you. Janet Petro Leesburg via e-mail
Pierceton Parade
Editor, Times-Union: On Saturday I had the pleasure of riding the "General," Pierceton's American Legion Post 258's entry in the Silver Lake Days Parade. We were in the 106th position at the end of the parade.
I hope next year they have someone in charge with some general knowledge.
When the driver of the entry asked the liner-upper how it was, when he mailed the entry form in on June 1, did we wind up in the 106th position? He said he didn't know, but would find out.
He returned later and apologized and stated that by rights we should have been up front, but the person who made up the line-up list didn't know that the American Legion was a service organization.
Allen D. Regenos Claypool
Renaissance Award
Editor, Times-Union: I would like to thank the Times-Union for the excellent coverage of Warsaw Community High School's Renaissance Awards Convocation. He was very thorough in his coverage and so many of our students received recognition for the positive things they do every day at WCHS.
Renaissance is a program that began seven years ago at Warsaw. We recognize and reward our students throughout the year in the areas of academics, attendance and citizenship. We also recognize teachers and volunteers. Community businesses, organizations and individuals donate prizes and money to help us recognize our students. Our current enrollment is approximately 1,750 students. We had 403 students with an "A" average and 667 with a "B" average. These names were published in the Times-Union on Tuesday, June 11. We also awarded 95 department awards, eight academic excellence awards, eight academic improvement awards, 95 perfect attendance awards and 115 citizenship awards. It is wonderful that so many of our young people are excelling in these areas.
Thank you to all of our community sponsors. We would not be able to give prizes and awards to our students without your support. We look forward to next year's convocation on May 29, 2003.
Sandy Carmichael WCHS Renaissance Committee
Chair and Guidance Counselor
Claypool School
Editor, Times-Union: When my sixth-grade son got off of the bus the last day of school a couple of weeks ago, he had a sad look on his face. When I asked him what was wrong, he said everyone at school was sad and crying because the sixth-graders were moving on. Only then did it hit me just how special the Claypool Elementary School is.
Both of our children have moved on now, but the memories of this school will never be forgotten. The tremendous support from the parents of this school can only be attributed to Deb Blatz and staff. From academics to music programs to sports, their dedication was second to none.
Thanks for the special memories.
Tom and Gail Shively Claypool via e-mail
Little Tigers
Editor, Times-Union: On behalf of Little Tigers Preschool, I would like to thank everyone who has made the 2001-2002 school year a success. The teachers, the parents and many local businesses have all contributed greatly. Also, the Warsaw Church of God congregation has again graciously allowed us to use their facilities.
We look forward to the students' return in the fall.
Sharon Metz, Director Warsaw
Pierceton Days
Editor, Times-Union: I am writing this letter to help clear up some confusion.
There had been some rumors circulating that there will not be a Pierceton Days this year. Up until a few months ago, this was true. Our past director had stepped down, citing health problems, and had not felt up to the task of organizing our annual festival.
However, with her support and encouragement, a handful of citizens of Pierceton have decided to step up to bat and carry on.
The festival is scheduled for Aug. 2-3. There will be returning favorites, plus many new activities going on this year. I hope the public will watch for the ads in the Times-Union for a schedule of events. As always, we are looking for continued financial support from local corporate sponsors.
For further information, please call 574-594-9445. Thank you so much for letting me clear up this confusion.
Pierceton Days Committee Carla Kimberlin, Director via e-mail
National Anthem
Editor, Times-Union: Memorial Day and Flag Day are past, 4th of July is coming. There probably is not any other time of the year that our National Anthem is played and sung as much as this time of year. Yet, how many of us know how the writing of the National Anthem came about? Let me enlighten you as to how I think it came about.
Francis Scott Key was a prisoner on a British war ship in the harbor at Fort McHenry; this was the War of 1812. At the close of the day, in fact, in the twilight's last gleaming, Francis looked out of his cell window and saw Old Glory flying over the fort. He laid on his cot and finally fell asleep, but about midnight, with bombs bursting in air, he awoke and went to his window. By the rockets' red glare he could see Old Glory still flying over the fort. He laid down again to spend a restless night, until by dawn's early light, he looked out his window again and saw Old Glory still flying over the fort. He then sat down and wrote our National Anthem - "The Star Spangled Banner."
God bless America and may America be worthy of this blessing.
Dale Beery Claypool
Not Enough Golf
Editor, Times-Union: The Warsaw Times-Union sports department really goofed. What do they have against high school golf? Last weekend Fuzzy Zoeller won the Senior PGA Championship (a 35-word article). Chris Smith, a local resident, won the PGA Buick Open (first PGA win) and rated a 25-word article.
I'll bet that is the first time in the history of professional golf that two former high school golfers won a PGA tournament the same weekend, from the same state! Fuzzy and Chris are in the Indiana High School Golf Hall of Fame.
Now, about the high school state golf tournament. Wawasee and Warsaw are playing in the tournament as I am writing this article. Nothing appeared in Tuesday's or Wednesday's paper about this. Oh, yes, I did find a two-page article about the state tournaments - just pictures. No names of players or coaches, but a lot of ads - money, money, money.
