Letters to the Editors

Is degree a key to success?

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 6, 2000

Editor: Re: Emergency coordinator misses the cut, Aug. 1 Citrus Times:

I find myself thinking about how important is the institution of higher learning. This fellow named Randy Van Alstine, who already has been running the show there, now has to be passed over because he lacks a college degree. What a shame. The way I see it, he has been doing the job long enough to prove he is capable and responsible to carry out his job. That alone should stand for a form of education.

Having graduated from college, I found the current system of education is doing no more than pumping out lobotomized robots for the next slave-class generation. It's even more terrible to me to see that the St. Petersburg Times doesn't write about this injustice to this person's life and try to help him out.

Let us not forget that some of the greatest inventors, politicians and prodigies from every background did not have degrees from a college. This is what I believe is just one of thousands to come missed opportunities for the true advancement of our public systems. Furthermore, I am terribly disappointed that you do not take his side in this, especially considering that someone you know possibly had their life saved by Van Alstine's coordination.
-- Michael Glenn Baker, Inverness

Serving on School Board should be a privilege

Editor: I wonder just how many current members of the Citrus County School Board would be serving, or how many of those wanting to be a member would serve, if that position paid nothing. Zero. Zilch. Nada, as it does in other states. None, I predict.

These people should consider it a privilege to serve and do it for that reason alone, not for pay.
-- Jim Miller, Homosassa

Wheels for Attendance program thanked for gift

Editor: We would like to thank all those involved in the Wheels for Attendance program. I want to express my gratitude to them for giving my daughter, Amanda, such an extraordinary gift. I can't thank you enough.

It is our understanding that Gary Foltz, principal of Citrus High School, was a guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Inverness last year. Concerned community leaders and school representatives talked about the need for a student incentive program to make sure students attend school every day.

Because of their concern about the education our students need in Citrus County, the Wheels for Attendance program was born. Jewel and Steve Lamb, Linda Van Allen and the Citrus County Education Foundation came forward to make this dream a reality. For this, we owe a great deal of thanks.

Amanda was the first recipient of the car given away by the Lambs for the Wheels for Attendance program this year. We are still in shock over the 2000 Camaro parked outside our door.

Amanda has always worked very hard to do her best in everything she does. Her dedication and perseverance paid off more than we ever dreamed. You have given her the opportunity to reach higher and to believe that anything is possible.

We can't thank you enough for initiating the need for this extraordinary incentive program.

Wheels for Attendance is a program that we hope continues on and has great success. We hope all students in Citrus County realize how fortunate they are to have the support of their community and school system behind them. Citrus County is very lucky to have such businesses and caring people in our community. Thank you for giving Amanda an incredible start toward her future.
-- Joanie and Amanda Lewis, Hernando

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