LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: YOUTH EXPO WAS A SUCCESS

To the Editor:

Youth Expo '93 is now a part of history and I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for all your support and report on the success of the weekend of events. Over 400 youth and other interested people were in attendance at the Youth Expo events. The response to all activities was very positive and many people stated that more events like Youth Expo need to be offered to youth.

As the Zero Tolerance series goes on and Americans across the country attempt to educate youth about the dangers of substance abuse, we have a need to continue this effort in Cape Girardeau. As Robert Fulghum says, "Think what a better world it would be if we all--the whole world--had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap...Live a balanced life--learn some think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work everyday some." This recommendation is important. We need to continue to demonstrate to the family that there are options other than substance use and abuse.

Although we did not reach a record number of youth this first time around with Youth Expo, the youth who attended the scheduled activities learned something and were impacted in a positive manner. We hope to continue to offer youth positive alternatives and will be contacting you for support of future endeavors.

Once again thank you so much for your support, interest, and desire to offer the youth of our community alternatives to substance abuse.

ABBIE CRITES

Director Youth Expo '93

Cape Girardeau