To the editor:

To many people, it will come as no surprise that young adults in our community are a source of pride, inspiration and hope for the future. I write to share a recent experience with the students at both Free State and Lawrence High School.

The Douglas County Bar Association, at our annual holiday party, had asked Lynn Basow of Free State and Rachel Dirks of Lawrence High, for a group of students who may be interested in playing holiday music for our gathering. We imagined a string quartet would be perfect. With enthusiasm and holiday cheer, both schools responded that they had 10 or more students who were interested and could we accommodate that? Why, of course!

Each of the schools, the students themselves, their parents and our community should be proud of these young men and women. They performed with grace, poise and good manners. The students were punctual, well-attired and well-prepared. They were flexible (as our needs changed during their performance) and cheerful. What more could be asked? They delivered as if it were in their DNA.

The arts may not receive as much attention as some of the other offerings at our schools, but, from our perspective, there is no doubt that these young men and women represent themselves and their schools in a manner that should make us all proud.

So, thank you to both high schools and those wonderful students.