
                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, June 23, 1994                    TAG: 9406220004 
SECTION: FRONT                     PAGE: A12    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: Short 
DATELINE: 940623                                 LENGTH:

PRAISE FOR SCHOOL TRIP

{LEAD} I was fascinated with the article tagged Camp Friendship (May 30). There were beautiful, interest-grabbing photos and excellent observations shared. What bothers me, however, is the headline ``Troublesome asked to step outside'' and the slant on the story that insinuates all the students are troublesome, come from under-privileged areas, use swear words and fight. I suspect that the reporter probably doesn't have a clue as to what it takes to prepare for a field trip of this magnitude.

The teacher motivation of students, record keeping, minute-by-minute planning, fund raising, getting parents involved and enlisting the Dragonwhales' expertise took tremendous dedication from a group of leaders already loaded with an overcrowded day of routine school. The determination of students who felt as strongly as their teachers that this outing could reap big benefits should have been stressed. They earned the money to finance the expensive trip and earned the right to go with their good behavior.

{REST} When so much about education is criticized, your reporter missed the wonderful opportunity to laud the teachers, students, parents, Navy and school system that worked so hard for this educational adventure. Long-range benefits for each pupil may take time to recognize, but the immediate opinion of this reader is ``Good job'' to all involved.

CAROL A. HUGHES

Virginia Beach, May 31, 1994

by CNB