---

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, April 12, 1993                   TAG: 9304120265
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: C2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

---

BLIZZARD SHOWED THE TEAM SPIRIT

WHERE were you during the "Blizzard of '93"? I was privileged to be in Syracuse, N.Y., with the coaches and track team of Patrick Henry High School. Together we endured the blazing winds, closed expressways and 48 inches of snowfall. We also endured the great disappointment of making such a journey and then having to make the decision to return to Roanoke without competing.

The focus of this letter is not, however, to cry over a lost dream, but to express my gratitude as a parent to the team's coaches. They maintained a positive and supportive attitude for their students throughout what could have been a very disappointing experience for these young athletes. I truly believe that all the adults and students gained an experience in helping and supporting one another that could not have been better engineered if months of planning had gone into this.

With all the bad news that comes out so very often about our young people, I feel that this bit of good news needs to be shared with the citizens of Roanoke. These young people have lovely manners, kind attitudes and were truly goodwill ambassadors for this city. Patrick Henry High School is very fortunate to have such outstanding members of their staff and student body to represent Roanoke.

KAY M. McGRATH ROANOKE

---