To the editor:

I applaud Tom Conroy and 1320 KLWN for taking the time to visit with the band directors and drum majors from Lawrence High School and Free State High School on Wednesday morning. I found it refreshing to hear the kids talking about their hard work and the effort they put forth to continuously improve their skills and their end product.

These 360 musicians, 190 at Free State and 170 at Lawrence High, as well as those involved in other fine arts and athletics and those who excel academically, deserve this kind of recognition and positive reinforcement for their efforts. These are the activities that provide life-long skills and memories and are among the things that make Lawrence Public Schools the great school district it is. Thank you, Mr. Conroy, for recognizing this and for giving these kids and their families an opportunity to celebrate it.

Kim Gouge,

Lawrence