To the editor:

I am writing to thank Mr. Goolsby, drama teacher, and Melia Johnson, music vocal director, at Southwest Junior High for three wonderful evenings of theater. “Annie,” an all-school play, was the first musical performed in Southwest Junior High’s history. Mr. Goolsby has directed many wonderful performances at Southwest, but bringing this popular but challenging musical together was quite an accomplishment.

Seeing the auditorium filled all three nights was just another reminder of how important theater and the arts are to our children attending public schools. Our son spent approximately two hours every night after school preparing for the play.

The cost was $15 for over 60 hours of adult supervision in a learning environment that built our son’s self-confidence and made him look forward to attending school.

Music, art and drama are the most important part of many students’ public school experience. It is important for students to share these talents with their peers and develop skills that they will build on and enjoy for a lifetime. Next time you attend a performance of the Lawrence Community Theater, walk through an art or photography exhibit or listen to the Lawrence City Band, know that many of these individuals’ talents were inspired, taught and cultivated in our public school’s art, theater and music programs.

Thank you again Mr. Goolsby for your dedication to our children.

Jane Getto,

Lawrence