The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Church Kicked Off Team
Dear Editor,
Over the years I have always thought the church, school, and community were working together to develop young people who were grounded with good values.
Churches have encouraged young people to show respect to teachers, coaches, and administrators and to shoulder civic responsibility.
We understand that not everyone shares our conviction that Jesus Christ is the only way to a truly meaningful life, but we did think we were all on the same team.
It appears that things have changed and many would prefer the church be kicked off the team.
First Wednesday nights were crowded with games and practices and now the same thing is happening to Sunday. Mud Volleyball tournaments have been scheduled on Sunday mornings during church time.
Athletic fund-raisers and "Meet the Chargers" events have been moved from Friday or Saturday nights and have now been scheduled on Sunday nights to directly compete with Church youth programs.
Awards banquets, athletic fund-raisers, and various tournaments are all scheduled to conflict with youth programs. The job of trying to disciple young people has become even more difficult because of the opposition of the school and civic organizations.
We understand that not everyone cares that God has commanded that one day be set aside each week for Him.
However, at this time when there are so many problems I would think we would be working harder than ever to help each other.
Apparently, we don't all see this the same way.
We get the message: Some people no longer want us on the team. I think that is a bad decision.
Rev. Bruce Goettsche
Pastor of the
Union Church, La Harpe
Praising Educators
Dear Editor,
When I recently read in the Quill of Gary Eddington's retirement, and of Don and Ruth Corry's 65th wedding anniversary I recalled both of these men and their individual impact on the many students and their education in La Harpe.
I first knew Gary as a father of two wonderful children that I taught in Terre Haute elementary school. Later, Gary was a coach in La Harpe Elementary school when Fountain Green school closed. He would pick up my 4th grade students for P.E. I was more than impressed with his teaching and approach to education.
Gary became an administrator and put together a cohesive K-8th program when our family left in 1986 for teaching in Florida. This was an era following many cut backs, teacher resignations, several changes of administrations and the closing of Fountain Green and Terre Haute schools.
I subbed for a few years while Gary was principal, and found him to be outstanding at this also.
Education is a "calling" not just a job. Gary and Don Corry both were "called" to be educators.
Don, likewise was recognized in the area, and at Western Illinois University by Joe Stipanowich as the top Math teacher in the area. Joe's story was that when Western first implemented entry level testing for college students, you could always count on Don Corry's students to come in not just first but also second and third of all students enrolling at Western.
Gary was not just an administrator, because he never forgot the teacher's point of view in dealing with students.
His job of pulling together a whole K-8th program in the midst of chaos could not have been an easy one, yet he did just that with great poise, caring, and quality. I have no doubt that he handled his Regional Superintendent's position the same way.
The majority of students graduating from La Harpe High School have achieved their success in life because of good solid teaching in K through 12th grades.
I hope many will recognize Gary Eddington and Don Corry as top educators.
Carolee Smith, former elementary teacher in La Harpe, 1971-1986