ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL MURAL SENDS POSITIVE MESSAGE

Cape Girardeau's newest mural is not only artistically pleasing, it sends a powerful message.

Students at the Alternative Education Center painted 5-by-65-foot mural that adorns the back wall of the Cape Girardeau Civic Center. It features a rainbow that stretches from a student at a computer to high school graduates. The mural encourages students to put the past behind them and look to the future. It stresses the theme that education is a must.

It's a message that makes even more impact when it comes from students.

The silhouette of the graduate holding hands with two small children also signifies the importance of role models. This is true not only for adults to children, but for older to younger children.

The alternative school has proved quite successful in its first year of operation. It began last August at the Salvation Army and relocated to the Civic Center in January. It can be hoped state funding will be available to continue the program next year. If not, the district may want to consider paying for this worthwhile program itself.

The student artists and teacher Lee Radford deserve a real pat on the back for the mural, which is certainly worth a glimpse by local residents.