A fond farewell to educators

At this time of year, as we send off our high school and college graduates to their next stage of life, itÕs also time to bid farewell to many of those who taught and mentored those students.ItÕs worth giving a salute to the years of service put in by retiring educators who helped mold young minds in our schools. Consider David Hashley, who brought drama to the forefront in his 37 years at Flathead High School (and who even had the school theater named after him) or Gene Boyle, the beloved principal of St. MatthewÕs School, or Kent Paulson, the longtime administrator at Whitefish High School.They are just a few among the many who, as they cap their careers as educators, deserve kudos from all of us for their devotion to our kids. For the best among them, teaching is not just a profession; it is a true calling.

YOUNG MINDS got a boost from the West Valley School ÒRead to the RoofÓ program that wrapped up recently. Spurred on by unique rewards (including a promise by administrators to dye their hair wild colors), students were challenged to read more than a million pages. They succeeded Ñ and then had the pleasure of watching their principal and vice principal embarrass themselves.That embarrassment, however, was for a good cause. Anything that stimulates children to read (especially to read something other than text messages, Twitter feeds and MySpace pages) is a good thing.

FINALLY, letÕs say a word about United Way. This charitable clearinghouse has helped countless thousands of people over the past decades with money and assistance.Now, however, with the economy at its lowest point in many years, it is United Way which needs your help - more than ever. United Way ended its 2008 campaign nearly $200,000 short of its $1 million goal, and member agencies are stretched thin trying to help people whoÕve lost their jobs in recent months or are struggling because of the recession.So, for the first time in its history, United Way is holding a mid-year fundraising campaign to help make ends meet. We realize that many middle-class families are already making do with less, but if you can help, now is the time when it will make a big difference. Call 752-7266 to make a donation.