Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor, I am taking this opportunity to once again compliment the Fairbury Jr.-Sr. High School fine arts department for their amazing rendition of “Mamma Mia.” I can’t get too carried away because my granddaughter, Alecia Bedlan, had one of the leads and she was amazing, but the entire cast and crew did a magnificent job. The joy and happiness of being involved in a production was evident in every scene. Young people are just the best when they come together for a common goal and take pride in the success of an event. There is nothing more rewarding for them and for the community where they are growing up! But have we failed our children and our community in the last years? I attended the show two of the three productions and most of us were repeat attendees as proud parents and grandparents supporting our kids. The auditorium was half full both nights. I’ve heard nothing but good things from those who attended but others who didn’t go had excuses—didn’t have time, don’t like that show, was out of town for other activities, don’t do theater, etc., etc., etc. . . . . Why can’t Fairbury pull together as a community and support each other? As a community and our public education system are we really doing what’s best for our students? Most of you have heard me on this soap box before but I will continue to say it, children are our best resource, a priceless asset that gives back for generations to come. Children are the future. We should put all selfish endeavors aside and always put the children of this community first. The churches, businesses, the city, District #8 teachers and staff, patrons young and old need to put kids first. Parents need to do what is right for their children also. But central to all of this are the teachers and leaders of our schools. Your relationship with the children you see on a daily basis is key to their development and success. Never underestimate your power and your responsibility as their mentors, guides, and friends. As adults we have as many or more memories of our school days than we do of our growing up home life. What do our children learn from a district that is disgruntled and infighting? Too often children come away with the question, “Does anybody care about me”? In closing, I am going to use the song titles from the show. This cast and crew will never forget their experience with such amazing music and the good times they had rehearsing and performing “Mamma Mia.” At the end of their school career every child should be able to say: “The Name of the Game” is “Take a Chance on Me” because “I Have a Dream” that “When All is Said and Done” life isn’t “Slipping Through My Fingers” because my teachers “Laid All Their Love On Me” and helped me learn that I can be a winner -- “The Winner Takes It All”! Fairbury Jr.-Sr. High School students and staff, “Thank You For The Music” (especially my precious granddaughter, Alecia Bedlan, the “Dancing Queen”). Sincerely,Barbara BedlanFairbury

Miles Edward Sullivan

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