To the editor:

I can’t help but think one way we can take a step toward working on our bigger problems is by getting to know each other as a community. A great way to do that is through our school events where we can support our youth as a community.

Sit in on an amazing choir concert at your neighborhood elementary school. Say “hi” to someone who just might be your neighbor. Enjoy watching gymnastics at the Olympics? Lawrence High and Free State both have gymnastics teams with home meets very soon (FSHS on Sept. 7). Visit the science fair to see how students are developing critical thinking. Middle school and high school tennis action (and other sports) are taking place. Enjoy the orchestra and band music from young children just learning all the way to the symphonic orchestras who epitomize hard work and a love for sharing their talents. These musicians demonstrate so many excellent values while playing beautiful music.

If you haven’t yet, please consider attending some school sports, art shows, science fairs, music and other events to celebrate the students’ hard work and to get to know your community neighbors. Look for more online at the USD 497 website. If you don’t have internet access, drop by the Lawrence Public Library.

Doing backward flips down a 4-inch beam that is 4 feet off the floor takes guts, practice, coaching and support. They can’t win Olympic medals (yet) but can be fun to watch and see what perseverance can do for you. ?