To the editor:

Hanging in the office of the Strategic Education Center is an oversized copy of the $5,000 check presented to me by members of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. Having witnessed just some of the hard work it took to raise that $5,000 makes me especially proud.

Lawrence, Kan., is extremely lucky to have a group of volunteers so dedicated to improving the lives of Lawrence youth. Over the course of several months, members of this committee worked tirelessly to raise $50,000 for three local children’s charities. Raising $50,000 is hardly easy, but, thanks to the dedication and tenacity of this group of volunteers, it was accomplished.

Being selected by the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee helps the Strategic Education Center continue providing academic assistance to Lawrence students. On behalf of the staff and board of directors of the Strategic Education Center, thank you, St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee! We are extremely grateful!

Rose Eiesland Foster,

executive director,

Strategic Education Center