LETTERS: PLEA FOR YES VOTE FROM A STUDENT AT THE JUNIOR HIGH

To the editor:

I'm a student at R.O. Hawkins Junior High School in Jackson. Lately, I have been hearing many negative comments about our character and behavior. I have even heard a person go so far as to say we don't deserve to enjoy the benefits of better learning that the bond issue would bring. I couldn't believe that -- especially in Jackson, a community known for the quality of its education -- anyone would want to deprive us of the right to learn.

How can we become the future without any maps in American history? Or sitting in classes of 30 or more students, even in such complicated subjects as French?

The problems go much deeper than crowded hallways. We have to share hot plates in science. We are sitting in crumbling desks made for fifth graders. How can we become prepared for life with two Internet-access computers?

I realize we still have it much better than students in many other schools. Jackson is known for its excellent educational system. Please, let's be proud enough of that fact to want to enrich the education of our children, grandchildren and future families. Vote yes on the bond issue so we can further our education.

JERRICA HOUCHINS

Jackson, Mo.