To the editor:

On Sunday, Jan. 7, I had the honor of watching my children carry the banner announcing State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins at the “Best of Kansas Mainstreet Family Festival” parade at the Ramada Inn in Topeka. Many don’t realize how incredible this event really is. Organizations supporting education, art and nature shared information, samples and laughs all day.

Our family found it a great way to learn what Kansas has to offer. But beyond that was the invitation to our school, Hillcrest Elementary, to join Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson and other dignitaries at the festival. Hillcrest is not your ordinary school. It proudly offers a newcomer program for students who speak English as a secondary language. Our school encompasses six continents, 39 countries and more than 400 students.

With an international flair, a number of our students participated in the festivities and parade.

You can imagine what I thought when the next day the big news was Gov. Sebelius’ decision to wear ruby red shoes to the ball. I find it a shame that the media missed this opportunity to show our government figures in a positive light. Had they covered this event, they would have seen Gov. Sebelius laughing with the children and Jenkins admiring our kids’ Hillcrest shirts and giving hugs. In this day and age, not many people get the chance to spend time with those who run our state, but on that day, my 8-year-old and 5-year-old had the chance of a lifetime.

Thanks to all who made it possible.

Michele Vignola-Rogers,

Lawrence