Editor, Times-Union: High schools should be required to establish Gay/Straight Alliances. This type of club will promote equality and understanding within a school. GSA is not to lobby for students to become homosexual. It is a club where students who are gay or are supportive of gays can meet. All high school students have to face life each day, but not every student feels different and set apart because their sexual orientation does not match the norm. This struggle to fit into the heterosexual world can cause great trauma for a high school student. Suicidal feelings and depression are common in the gay population; this tells us that students need understanding and support. Homosexuals need to have a place to meet people struggling with the same issues as they are and with those who support them. A GSA could provide this safe haven for them. Many students do not realize how hard it is on someone to be gay/lesbian. A GSA could provide understanding to the student body about these issues. The group also can endorse better understanding of homosexuality and why it is an important part of our culture. This could help prepare students for the future when they will work with many different types of people. For a high school to deny a GSA as a school club, is saying that approximately 10 percent of the student body does not matter to them. That is sending the student body the message that it is OK to discriminate against people different than you. That is not what our country stands for and that is not what our schools should teach. High schools should promote equality and understanding to students. Someone's own prejudice or fear should not allow students to suffer. Homosexuals are students also and they deserve to be treated as such.
Kris Skufca West Lafayette via e-mail
Veterans Program
Editor, Times-Union: I live in South Bend and I was invited by my grandson, who attends Lakeview Middle School, to attend the Veterans Day program on Nov. 11 presented by Lakeview and Edgewood Schools. I was so happy that I came because it was an excellent program. Thank you to all the teaching staff and students, the band, the choir, the honor guard, Mr. Wilson's speech, the Scottish bagpiper and all the staff who worked behind the scenes. I also enjoyed the wall poster that the students made with their hand prints. Whoever had the idea, it was great! I am sure all the veterans attending were very proud of this program. It made you feel proud to be an American, and singing "God Bless America" made it even better. Thank you to the Warsaw community.
Lil Mauro South Bend
Plaque Stolen
Editor, Times-Union: In reference to the memorial plaque for Sheriff Detective Sergeant Philip D. Hochstetler that was stolen form Central Park, all I have to say is "Why?" Did you take it home and hang it on your wall? When this memorial was put together for an officer killed in the line of duty, it was not only to honor Detective Hochstetler but also for his family. The plaque will be replaced. The president of Hand Industries (the Dirilyte Line) has graciously donated half of the cost to replace the plaque and Sheriff C. Aaron Rovenstine of the Kosciusko County Sheriff's office will pay the remainder. And you will have to live with your conscience (if you have one). Anyone with information, please call the Warsaw Police Department.
Melissa Timmerman Sheriff Deputy Reserve
Special Bowling
Editor, Times-Union: It is with a great deal of pride that we can share the results of the Area 2 Special Olympic Bowling meet in South Bend on Saturday November 9.
Special Olympics Kosciusko County sent 17 single bowlers and 2 unified teams to the meet and came home with 10 single bowlers and both unified teams advancing to the State Tourney in Indianapolis December 8 and 9.
The local bowlers had six singles qualify based on their first-, second-, or third-place finish (two of each) and through a blind draw four of the five fourth-place finishers were fortunate enough to have their names drawn. The single bowlers also had three fifth-place finishes, one sixth-place and two seventh-place finishers. The unified teams ended up bowling against each other, with the Kings edging out the Queens in point total even though the Queens won two of the three games.
Congratulations to all the bowlers for a job well done. Good luck to those going to Indy.
If you are interested in learning more about how you can become involved in Special Olympics, please call county coordinator Becky Walls at 574-594-2962 or e-mail her at sokcbwalls@aol.com
Gene Hughes Special Olympics Kosciusko County Board of Directors
Mentone
Narrow Minded
Editor, Times-Union: In response to all of the letters directed towards the Gay-Straight Alliance: I would like to make a statement. How narrow minded must you all be to think that an alliance will corrupt or disrupt children's minds? I am glad that people are now realizing that students should interact with their peers open-mindedly whether they are gay, straight, black, white, blind or handicapped. Living in peace is what keeps our children pure, hate is what makes them do terrible things. Come on, the ideals you are preaching about are the same ones that have kept racism around for so long! Hate crimes are now such an issue because of parents like you who instill morals like these.
Whether you accept homosexuality or not, you should be glad that your children are being adult enough to want peace and not hate! Terrorism and crime all stem from hate and any minority including homosexuals deserve to go to public schools and be treated as the equals they are, and to expect less is wrong! I was outraged by these letters against making peace. On a side note, if you are the Christian parents that you claim to be, then your children will have the ability to make a decision that is moral and just. How close-minded must you all be!
Katherine Joyner Leesburg via e-mail
Gymnastics Program
Editor, Times-Union: Special Olympics Kosciusko County is searching for someone with some type of gymnastic experience to join with us and start up a gymnastic program.
Our initial goal is to start with some of the easier events such as ribbon dancing, hoop dancing, etc., and work our way to the more advanced events as the athletes progress.
We will provide athletes, facilities and program guidelines, while you provide the willingness to open your heart and busy schedule to lead us into another avenue of sports for our local athletes.
Please contact county coordinator Becky Walls at 574-594-2962 or e-mail her at sokcbwalls@aol.com
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Gene Hughes Special Olympic Kosciusko County Board of Directors
Mentone
Foodathon
Editor, Times-Union: I would like to thank all the wonderful people at Biomet who helped with the Foodathon this week. As always, when the need is great, everyone pulled together and helped. I feel very fortunate to work with such a great bunch of people who are so giving and caring. Thanks so much.
