Building character at school

How very proud I was Friday afternoon as I attended Alma Schrader's "Kick-Off Assembly" for its annual Peace Ball Celebration. I can recall last year this event culminated with 2,609 recorded instances of kindness from the students! Young lives are being shaped, changed, altered and influenced by the positive leadership of the entire staff. I was proud to see our Central High's Coach Nathan Norman, accompanied by two coaches and nine football players leading in the cheers and teaching moments.

Dr. Ruth Ann Orr, Julia Unnerstall and the entire staff at Alma Schrader are to be congratulated and recognized for their visible and measurable efforts in educating our young children, and instilling in them personal responsibility, teamwork, character-building traits and the importance of goals and dreams.

For all you do at Alma Schrader, this word is for you: Thanks!

DOUG AUSTIN, Cape Girardeau