PARENT, EDUCATOR WORK TO MAKE BIG DIFFERENCE

In a world of 5.3 billion people, it's often easier to go along with the crowd than to stand alone. Sometimes, it's hard to imagine that one person can really make a difference.

Not so, say a number of area citizens who are doing their part to improve the quality of life in our corner of the world. In particular, we salute two individuals LaDona Henderson and Nancy McGrew who are helping to better our schools through volunteerism and innovative programming.

Parents can make a difference, says Henderson, who spends most of her spare time volunteering at May Greene School's extended day kindergarten. Henderson's efforts earned her selection as one of 17 Outstanding Chapter 1 Parents in Missouri. Chapter 1 coordinates remedial programs in public schools.

The Cape Girardeau mother feels strongly that parents shouldn't just drop off their children at school and wash their hands of their education. She feels that it is up to parents to help the teachers. Those are wise words. Time and time again, educators list increased parental involvement as a way to greatly improve the educational process.

Educators also make a difference, especially those who teach the basics with enthusiasm and creativity. McGrew, a Chaffee teacher, is a prime example. Her work with Chaffee's Chapter 1 remedial reading program has earned her national recognition. She was named one of 105 winners for the U.S. Se~cretary of Education's Initiative Award.

McGrew is excited about reading, and that enthusiasm has spread to her students and the school district at large. She too involves parents in her program. In fact, the Chaffee teacher says a common thread in most of the winning national projects was the proven effectiveness of parent involvement.

These are just two individuals who are making a difference in our region. They demonstrate that from a small start can grow big results.