LETTERS: HIGH MARKS FOR BUSINESS ACADEMY

To the editor:

I am writing to speak about a recent program that took place during the summer which shows the real benefits of business and schools working together for the benefit of young people. I am writing to praise the recent program that was put on called the Academy of Industrial and Engineering Technology which took place the week of July 6. In that program, students from Central High School, Jackson High School and Scott City High School were exposed to several major businesses in the area with the opportunity to visit those businesses and learn what is expected in order to become a part of same.

In particular, Dana Corp., Lone Star, M&W Packaging and Procter & Gamble opened their doors to 10 young men who had the benefit of learning what will be needed if they wish to work in this area after high school.

I want to comment the Cape Girardeau Area Vocational-Technical School and particularly Bev Hickam and Jerry Witvoet, along with the adult team leaders, Everett Hinze, Mike Baremore and Rich Payne, because they took what could have been a grumbling activity for high school students during the summer and made it a very positive experience.

I would strongly recommend to any parents of high school-aged students that when you hear about this being suggested as a possibility next summer, you strongly urge your son or daughter to attend same. Congratulations on a job well done.

MICHAEL H. MAGUIRE

Johnson, Montgomery & Maguire

Cape Girardeau