LETTERS: HONOR FOR GATELEY

To the editor:

Several years ago -- I won't say how many -- I was newly acquainted with a young college student named Melvin Gateley. That has been several years. Since that time, I have watched this young man mature, get involved and do so many good things for Cape Girardeau and the public school system as well as for his church.

Melvin is an example that any young person could follow and never, ever be ashamed of. Melvin does a lot of good things throughout our community, not only in one direction but in many directions, like the City Council, his church, volunteering for any worthwhile project and, of course, so many hours spend in working for the good of our public schools.

I would like for those who have the influence to get the new grade school being built on North Sprigg Street to be named the Melvin Gateley School. No one in Cape Girardeau, or anywhere for that matter, would ever have to be ashamed or sorry for naming this school for one of the finest individuals who ever lived and worked in Cape Girardeau.

I know what kind of person he is. I had two daughters who went through school with him as an instructor, and I have been privileged to be a member of the same church he attends. I see week after week the good that he does there and the example he sets for our young people.

Please give this a lot of thought, and I do pray that you will agree with me that the new school should be named the Melvin Gateley School.

BETTY J. CAMPBELL

Cape Girardeau