To the Editor: My family and friends will tell you that I am an optimist. In today’s world it’s not easy to maintain such a positive outlook on life. Our soldiers are dying in Iraq. At home we wage war against the breakdown of our family structure, drugs, violence, discrimination, oppression, poverty and moral decline. Through it all, along with my colleagues in public education, I fight to make sure that there is “No Child Left Behind.” Just when it all seems too much to bear and my optimism wanes, I am renewed by the inspiration of our student population in Monessen. It began Friday afternoon as I was congratulating two Monessen grads on their recent accomplishments of attaining dean’s list at Pitt Greensburg and a new job, respectively. Friday evening I witnessed a stunning display of determination, tenacity and just plain heart as the Lady Greyhounds brought home honor along with the agony of defeat. These young women give 110 percent of themselves on the court and in the classroom, as many of their names continually appear in the reported honor rolls, all the while coping with the process of “coming of age.” On Saturday afternoon, again the eternal optimist, I was hoping to watch David defeat Goliath as the Greyhounds went to battle against Aliquippa. Once again, my faith in youth was renewed. I watched as the words of one of my favorite people, the late Jimmy Valvano, came to life. “Never give upÉnever ever give up!” Although victory was not the prize, honor was. Again these high school students gave their all. Again within the group is also academic excellence. I came home proud to see the Monessen Greyhound flag flying in my driveway. Little did I know that my optimistic attitude was about to receive a boost. I enjoy opening the board updates from the Monessen School District. Many positive things are happening along with the difficulties all school districts face. The updates provide a wealth of information but none so touching as the letter sent to our athletic director from the athletic director of the Central Greene School District concerning a basketball contest featuring the Greyhound boys’ varsity basketball team and the Waynesburg boys’ varsity basketball team. The letter can be summarized by quoting the author’s closing statement: “Once again, I would like to thank the Monessen senior boys’ basketball staff and team for helping to make a memory for a young man that will last a lifetime, along with demonstrating sportsmanship at its best.” With my optimism and enthusiasm for public education reinforced, I am ready to continue the fight in my community to provide a free and appropriate public education for all of our students while battling misunderstanding and injustice. Disparity among districts due to a poor, inadequate funding system, and flawed legislation tie the hands of board members, administrators and educators, most of whom are feeling “left behind” in the struggle. When and if the educational playing field is leveled, I believe the choice would be public education where the challenges of the real world are met and conquered. Roberta Caruso Bergstedt Monessen

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