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© St. Petersburg Times, published May 29, 2002
Editor: In reference to the story featured on May 8 about the racial slur painted on a building in Homosassa Springs and the followup report May 22 on the arrest of two teens charged in the case, we join those who have voiced their outrage that such hatred and bigotry still exist in our area. The way this ugly slur was expressed sadly shows a need for both spiritual and academic education.
Another disturbing story the following week told of efforts by the KKK to organize in Beverly Hills.
The Institute for Healing Racism has been working for some 10 years in Citrus County to eliminate such vestiges of blatant as well as hidden prejudice. Participants of various racial, religious and ethnic backgrounds study course material, discuss current events, and exchange views and experiences in order to educate one another. Our purpose is to promote understanding, harmony and friendship, and we value the close bonds that have developed in our interaction with one another over the years.
It is our hope that the shock of these recent negative events will result in the reaffirmation of a spirit of unity in Citrus County.
-- Madge T. Palmer, secretary Institute for Healing Racism
Editor: Citrus County School District has many valuable business partners who are involved in the educational process in our schools.
Two of the most noteworthy partners are Crystal Motor Car Co. (Steve and Jewel Lamb) and VanAllen-Clifford Insurance Agency Inc. (Linda VanAllen).
When these individuals heard about the attendance concerns regarding our high school students, they immediately sprang into action! Their program, called Wheels for Attendance, has certainly been a contributing factor in the increased attendance rates among our high school students.
During each of the past three years of the Wheels for Attendance program, drawings for cash prizes have occurred after each nine weeks, and at the end of each year a lucky student has gone home with a brand new car. This year was no exception.
On May 21, a student did win a new car. He is a wonderful young man who thanked the program's sponsors and said that he believes that this program is a great incentive to encourage student attendance.
But perhaps more than that, at a gala at Rock Crusher Canyon, students, their parents and family members came together to find out if their child could be the lucky winner. This event was a wonderful gift from the program's two sponsors and was something that will be remembered by all in attendance for some time to come.
Steve and Jewel Lamb and Linda VanAllen are individuals who have proved time and time again how dedicated they are to student achievement and success. On behalf of our school district and the students that we serve, we want them to know how much we appreciate and applaud their continued interest and involvement in our schools and our students.
-- Pat Lancaster,Citrus County schools, School & Community Relations Specialist
Editor: On behalf of the students and staff of Lecanto High School, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Jewel and Steve Lamb of Crystal Motor Car Co. and Linda VanAllen of VanAllen-Clifford Insurance for their continued and generous support of the Wheels for Attendance program. Since the inception of this program three years ago, our school has seen an increase of over 5 percent for our student attendance. This year we expect the attendance rate to improve 6 percent.
Over the last three years, I have had numerous conversations with students, teachers and parents about the Wheels for Attendance program, and in each case I learned that they believe the program is not only a generous commitment to our children but also a wonderful motivator. This program has fostered positive attitudes among our students at Lecanto High School and among the students in all of Citrus County's high schools.
As an administrator, I have learned that when a program has a broad base of support it is destined to be successful. The business community of Citrus County has always been supportive of programs that directly benefit our children. The Wheels for Attendance program is an excellent example of the school and community partnership that directly affects our schoolchildren and motivates them to excel. I believe that such partnerships are what distinguishes Citrus County and makes it not only a wonderful learning environment but also a truly wonderful place to live.
Once again, thanks to Jewel and Steve Lamb and Linda VanAllen for their commitment and generous support to the students of Citrus County Schools.
-- Doug Connors, Assistant Principal