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Schools used to teach respect for all beliefs

In recent weeks, there have been numerous letters to the editor about whether or not people should say "Happy holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas."

I grew up in a predominantly Christian neighborhood and school system in Hernando County. Over the years I grew accustomed to hearing teachers say "Merry Christmas" just before school let out for the break. Teachers even said "Christmas break" instead of "winter break." Someone of a non-Christian faith would say, "It's winter break." The teachers would correct themselves.

This past week I came home from college for winter break and was driving my mom to the school where she teaches. On the way out, I saw that a sign that read: "Christmas Break." Being that I am not a Christian and knowing other students at the school who are not, I found this inappropriate.

What has this school system come to? When I went to public school, not that long ago, we were taught about diversity and to respect others for who they are, no matter the race, religion or creed.

This sign does not teach what teachers in this county have been trying to teach for many years. What about the people who aren't Christian? What do we get? A load of disrespect for the holiday that we celebrate. Granted, there are many Christians in the world today, but there are also Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Jehovah's Witnesses, atheists, Seventh-day Adventists and people of many other religions.

If people can't understand a simple request for saying "Happy holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas," then what are we teaching our kids? Definitely not respect for others.

Bravo to Leggio and his charges

I spent a night on Broadway recently, and I had to travel only a few miles from Brooksville to do it. Granted, the dancers, singers and actors were a bit younger than one would see on Broadway, but nonetheless the spirit, professionalism and passion were there.

John Leggio's Center for the Performing Arts put on its Christmas show at Bishop McLaughlin High School. My daughter performed in the show. I am writing this because I was so impressed with the quality of the production. The venue was top-notch, the stage management was on cue and on time, and the show came off without a visible hitch.

The thing that impressed me the most, however, were the children. They truly gave us their all. Their smiles and obvious joy in what they were doing captured the audience.

Thank you, John Leggio, and all who made this show possible. You have given our children a glimpse at what they can achieve and the confidence to know they can achieve it. Bravo!

[Last modified December 15, 2005, 00:32:19]