CAPE UPDATE: A BIG TIGER THANK YOU TO CHS BOOSTERS

Working in education you are constantly exposed to people going above the normal and beyond the call of duty. For whatever reason, these individuals commit themselves and their friends in this or that project. It happens so often it is almost commonplace to witness this activity; the parents of the swim program, basketball team, PTA parents working on spaghetti dinners or book fairs, and the list of examples goes on and on. It is important to recognize this extra effort and not become so acclimated to these activities that the act itself is taken for granted.

But then there are those unique experiences which go even beyond the normal extra effort. Just when you think people have given all they have to give, an event demonstrates their extraordinary ability to give more. Such is the case in point with the Cape Central Booster Club's sponsorship of the Doug Stone concert on Feb. 26 in the Tiger Field House. For those in attendance, it was an enjoyable evening of country music entertainment. Promoted as a fundraiser without the usual door-to-door selling activity, the event exhibited the true spirit of Cape Girardeau. It was simply people working together.

The names of the individuals who helped are so numerous that to attempt to name them all would only result in leaving someone unmentioned. However, Jim Stovall, president of the Booster Club, deserves recognition not only for his efforts and hard work, but for the physical and emotional strength to attempt this event in the first place; Jeff Daniels, the event director, for coordinating the multitude of details to carry off such an event. Words cannot describe the tremendous difference an event of this magnitude makes in the district's ability to provide those extras to our students.

The entire Board of Directors of the Booster Club is to be commended for its work and dedication to a successful evening. And far from last is the recognition of our students. In times of negative media coverage of the deterioration of the youth of our country, our students worked throughout the weekend to ensure the success of a weekend that was meant for everyone.

As we look back on the Doug Stone concert we begin to critique and evaluate what could have been done differently, where we could improve; in essence becoming our own critics. We learned many things from the first concert weekend. First, that it can be done. The Tiger Field House can be transformed from an athletic arena to a music concert hall in less than 24 hours. Second, we proved what we all knew, that there are parents and community patrons who truly care about the schools and are willing to work to make Cape Girardeau public schools the best they can be. Third, we were privileged to witness the quality of our students, working side by side with members of the Booster organization and their parents. Finally and perhaps most importantly, we learned what can be accomplished when everyone works together.

To the members of the Cape Central Booster Club, to the parents, the school staff, and the community patrons and sponsors, we sincerely extend our gratitude and a hearty Tiger thank you!

Neyland Clark is superintendent of Cape Girardeau public schools.