LETTERS: BIG SUPPORT FOR RALLY EVENTS

To the editor:

Central High School is pleased to host a rally today, one of seven sites selected statewide. The state sponsors are the Missouri Youth/Adult Alliance Against Underage Drinking, the Missouri National Guard and the Missouri Association of Community Task Forces. They will bring a team of dignitaries to conduct the hour-long rally, which begins at 8:30 a.m.

Perhaps no other site in Missouri has enjoyed, as Central High has, such a high level of local cooperation. The Cape Girardeau Fire Department will hang a huge American flag (on loan from Herb Nance) early this morning. The Cape Girardeau Police Department, Police Chief Hetzel and his staff have helped to work out the logistics of landing a UH-1 helicopter on school grounds. The Cape Girardeau Safe Community Program, headed by Sharee Galnore, has provided needed funding and energy to coordinate the event. Local corporate sponsors, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and Shivelbine's Music Store, have provided services to help guarantee a successful rally. Our veterans group and local armed forces recruiters have once again volunteered to bring a color guard and support team.

The students and staff at Central High School have also been involved in preparations. The Central High band, under the direction of Ron Nall, has learned "The Missouri Waltz" for the event. Rich Payne and the Central custodial staff have manicured the front lawn. The choirs, under Dina Strickert, have prepared a special presentation of the national anthem for the rally. Our Teen Spirit, Thespians Society and Renaissance Steering Committee members will assist in building the stage and serve as rally workers.

We appreciate the opportunity to showcase our school and community in this high-profile state event. The focus of the rally presents a crucial message, and we applaud our sponsors' support.

The community is welcome to this event, which will feature Brigadier Gen. James Baker of the National Guard; Kim Massaro, 1997 Miss Missouri; Tome Henke, former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher; Dr. Nancy Geha, MYAA director; and Rich Linden, a motivational speaker.

Random Acts of Kindness Week has been evident at Cape Girardeau Central High School as we have prepared for the rally. We are grateful to our community.

JULIA HOWES JORGENSEN, Coordinator

Renaissance

Central High School

Cape Girardeau