Don't abandon Palm Harbor Elementary, a cradle of leaders

Don't abandon a cradle of leaders

My name is Debra Graziano. I am the mom of the wonderful young man, John Graziano, who was the passenger in Nick Bollea's car when it crashed Aug. 26, 2007. I am writing to share with you my personal experience with the staff and students at Palm Harbor Elementary School.

When John was deployed to Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006, the students (led by their teachers) wrote to my son. Upon his safe return, the school had a welcome home assembly for him. Lots of hard work and thought went into honoring him and us as his family.

Since the crash, the support has been never ending. Artwork fills the halls of the James A. Haley VA Medical Center every holiday to honor our veterans. Baskets of food items beautifully arranged are brought to the Fisher House, a home away from home for families staying at the hospital to be with their wounded loved ones. Baskets for the nurses station also to thank them for taking such wonderful care of these very young soldiers and Marines. Everything is put together by the parents and staff.

My point is this: Palm Harbor Elementary is an A school for sure, as far as academics are concerned, but it is so much more than that. It has very high parental involvement. It truly is the example of what you would want every school to be. Future leaders of our country and community are being formed here. The dynamics of this school are such that these kids will come away with a true sense of community, love of country, respect for our military and a desire to be part of something bigger than themselves. PHES takes the time and effort to develop excellent character in these kids. This is what is desperately needed in the next generation.

To close or alter this school in any way would be punishing success. Please do not compound mistakes (like building a school in Tarpon Springs that can't be filled) by closing a school that should be held as an example of what Florida education should be.

May God bless richly the staff, parents and students at Palm Harbor Elementary and give the School Board wisdom.

Debra Graziano, Dunedin

All in the name of saving 1 Earth | Dec. 13 story

Build our way to better world? No

Seriously? We're going to save the Earth by building yet another development?

Here's an idea about how to be environmentally friendly: Don't build it at all.

Abigail Appleton, Dunedin

Oh, the play they will show Dec. 11 story

'Seussical' story was well deserved

Thank you, St. Petersburg Times, for featuring Clearwater High School's musical Seussical on the front page and third page on Dec. 11. This is the kind of positive news and support of our youth that we need more of in our local paper. Your coverage was generous and well deserved.

Deanna Snedeker, Clearwater