TERRE HAUTE —
Of ‘Beauty,’ and a grand ‘lecture’
I’m finally getting around to writing this. Sorry I’m so late, but I really need to get it off my desk and my chest.
First, on Sunday, May 6, I had the pleasure of experiencing the final performance of “Beauty and the Beast” by students of Terre Haute North Vigo High School. This was truly the finest high school production of musical theater I have ever seen; and I have seen many. All aspects of the production — music, acting, sound, lighting, costuming, choreography and emotional impact — were at a nearly professional level throughout.
All that I talked with in the full-house audience were as favorably impressed with the high quality of the production as I was and full of praise. And to think, this was a high school production. Just to add a personal note, I thought the pit orchestra, under Dan Rodriguez, was spectacular. You couldn’t see them, but their skill and commitment were obvious.
All in all, it was just a “beautiful” way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Terre Haute. I’m sure the 3,000 others who saw the show during its run are in agreement. Many thanks and congratulation to Michelle Azar, Cathy Sponsler and all the students and staff of Terre Haute North Vigo.
The above ties in well, I think, with Mike Lunsford’s article of Sunday, May 27, in the Tribune-Star. As you know I’m an avid fan of his downhome, obviously hearfelt, writing of us mere mortals, due to the approximately 42 years I spent in the field of educating public school children in Indiana and Illinois.
I can honestly say that I am more concerned with the state of education in this country than I have ever been. I’m now 70. Many educators, I’m sure, were thrilled to see Mike put into print what many of us feel so deeply these days. As a country, we must continue to value artistic expressions of all people; particularly children. I thought Mike’s comment that students are not appliances and schools are not factories; and we have to change our thinking soon about what constitutes an educated person should make national headlines.
Finally, thanks, Mike, for helping me remember my parents and their sacrifices, the friends who help me get through each day, and the many teachers who cared about me and my family as much, or more, as the grasp of that day’s lesson.
And by the way, I hope you keep on “lecturing,” Mike!
Final thought — what will happen to all of us when something or someone disables all of our computer and electronic systems simultaneously?
— Don V. Gamble
Terre Haute
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece
NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery
Shakira's Shocking Talent
Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air
GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape
Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public
Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls
Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
