LETTERS: SEMO STUDENTS ASSIST WITH PROJECTS

To the editor:

In our society, unfortunately, all too often we are quick to criticize and tardy, at best, to praise. I would like to draft the following letter of praise for an outstanding group of individuals from Southeast Missouri State University.

At the Southeast Missouri Easter Seal Society's Early Learning Center, we wanted to improve our playground to better meet the needs of the children with special needs we serve. This included priming and painting a large number of existing pieces of playground equipment, as well as the assembly of two new, large pieces. Through the help of our Area Wide United Way, we met Mary Kay Poljan, assistant director of operations at SEMO's University Center. Mary Kay offered to coordinate a few volunteers to help with the project. Wow, did she coordinate a few volunteers. Thirty-five, to be exact. From the moment this group arrived, they assessed the situation, set about the task and worked diligently to completion.

Sara Adler, Tim Arbeiter, Stephen Bauer, Sheba Bednar, Heather Buncher, Jodie Castanza, Mary Dalton, Amy Dambacher, Jennifer Decher, Dustin Fritsche, Deirdre Gamble, Doug Hicks, Jill Hoynacki, Amy Hulsey, Danielle Jany, Christie Johnson, Kara Johnson, Amanda Keates, Heather Marsh, Zack Mccall, Kristen Miner, Kelly Myers, Walter Peleshenko, Carrie Petrowski, Brett Richardson, Melinda Rodgers, Shannon Salabay, Dave Scheussler, Kara Stokes, Stephanie Sturhahn, Tara Troxell, Joshua Wafer, Amanda Weeckert, Chris Westlake and Holly Yeager gave a combined 100-plus hours of community service.

In addition, Mary Kay pulled together another group of volunteers from the university to help on a recent Easter Seals field trip. So the purpose of my letter is to praise some outstanding folks from Southeast Missouri State University who deserve it. On behalf of all associated with Easter Seals, you have our sincerest thanks. When it comes to community involvement, you've set a new standard.

CHUCK MARTIN, Regional Executive Director

Southeast Missouri Easter Seal Society

Cape Girardeau