Letters to the Editor, May 9, 2012

Tattoo perspective

I read Steve Doyle’s article about the passionate letter about tattoos he received from a seventh-grader at East Middle School (“A young person’s perspective recorded in indelible ink,” May 2). I must say that I disagree his letter made Doyle’s point. We don't know this young man’s situation. His mother may have died of cancer, and his father got a ribbon tattoo as a way in his mind of paying tribute to her. This does not necessarily mean that "now we have a 13-or-so-year-old who thinks tattooing is so appropriate that he would put those feelings into words on paper and spend the 45 cents it cost to mail them." It may just mean that we have a 13-or-so-year-old young man whose feelings were still raw from the death of his mother and felt as though someone was saying that what his father did was wrong. He is, after all, only about 13. I don't propose to know for sure that this is this young man’s case, but we shouldn't pass judgment on what he thinks is wrong or right based solely on his one letter.

Lesia Galica

Shelbyville

Jump Rope for Heart

Simpsonville Elementary students have been raising money for Jump Rope for Heart and have raised $6,316.78. Jump Rope for Heart is an organization that helps people who have heart conditions. We have raised the money by asking students in all grade levels to jump rope. Most people have been nice to give me money for Jump Rope for Heart, especially my neighbors. I think it is nice to do this because we’re using this money to help other people. Thank you students and people who donated.

Herchel “Trey” Davis
Simpsonville Elementary fourth-grader

Young Leaders makes difference

I want to take this opportunity to thank Shelley Goodwin and the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring the Young Leaders program. I have had the honor of having three sons participate in this program. All of them have benefited greatly from their experience. Shelley and her staff do an excellent job of showing these young adults the various opportunities available to them in their own community.

I have enjoyed listening to each of them come home and tell me what they learned on a particular day. They always come away with something that makes an impression on them.

I feel the most important part of the program is the community service requirement. This instills in them the importance of giving back to your community and how valuable it is to “pay it forward.”

I truly believe the Young Leaders program is one of the most important programs available to children.  I would encourage everyone to take advantage of this great opportunity.

The passion and energy that is put into this by Shelley and her team will be evident to all who participate. I have been blessed as a father to have my sons’ experience this program, and I know it will benefit them tremendously throughout their lifetimes. 

Frank Page

Shelbyville