DATE: Monday, July 28, 1997                 TAG: 9707280096

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B1   EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA 

TYPE: Letter 

                                            LENGTH:   96 lines

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - THE NORTH CAROLINA EDITION

The Outer Banks Family YMCA and the Nags Head Ocean Rescue Service combined forces to produce the recent 1997 Outer Banks Lifeguard Olympics. Bill Ryan of Ocean Rescue supervised the competition, and Kevin Zorc of the YMCA committee organized volunteers to provide food, beverage, raffle prizes and T-shirts. The Village of Nags Head Beach Club provided accommodations for the 80 competitors and 600 spectators. For their contributions to the event, the Outer Banks Family YMCA would like to express a heartfelt ``thank you.'' Also, a round of applause should be awarded to the lifeguards, the YMCA volunteers and the local businesses whose donations of supplies and funds made the entire event possible.

Participation in the Outer Banks Lifeguard Olympics is one of the many activities of the local YMCA committee over the past two years. Starting on July 31, 1995, with a town meeting at the Dare County library in Kill Devil Hills, local volunteers have been conducting a public information program to tell the YMCA story to local residents. Activities have included receptions, exhibits at fairs and expos, distribution of literature and speaking to local groups. The year of 1996 was ended on a happy note as YMCA volunteers presented the first Outer Banks' New Year's Eve fun night at the Outer Banks Mall. Over 400 people of all ages enjoyed the festivities. Every step of the way the response to the YMCA education program has been overwhelming.

At the same time, volunteers have been evaluating the level of interest in having YMCA programs on the Outer Banks. In 1996 a mail survey of 300 citizens was conducted. Then in 1997, YMCA professionals interviewed private and public sector community leaders. Both surveys revealed strong support and a tremendous need for YMCA programs with particular emphasis on aquatics, child care and health/fitness.

This positive response has been so compelling that the Steering Committee has committed to move forward with the process of establishing an Outer Banks Family YMCA. The next phase of the process is to commission an independent, professional Market Research Study. In March 1997, volunteers began the task of raising the $15,000 needed to commission such a study. The necessary funds have been raised and the Market Research Consultant is anticipated to present his findings in the fall. The study will include data concerning the types of programs needed for each age segment of the population, location preferences and anticipated membership participation. All of this information is necessary to determine the size, scope, costs and location of YMCAprograms and facilities on the Outer Banks. By the fall, the Outer Banks Family YMCA will have a comprehensive document for accurately charting its future.

The Outer Banks Family YMCA Steering Committee appreciates the many contributions received during the past two years. The list is too long to acknowledge individually at this time. Each and every contribution - regardless of size - has been critical to the success of the YMCA effort. It is important to note that the support has come from every area of the Outer Banks: islands of Roanoke and Hatteras, the mainlands of Dare and Currituck counties, and the beach communities from Corolla to Nags Head. It demonstrates clearly that goodness, generosity and cooperative spirit are very much alive and well on the Outer Banks. These are the qualities essential for the Outer Banks Family YMCA to succeed in building strong kids, strong families and a strong community.

Donn A. Snyder,

Lead Volunteer, Outer Banks Family YMCA

We, the Manteo High School PTSA Executive Board, wish to express our profound concern regarding the current changes in administration of Manteo High School. Ensuring that Dare County schools have the highest-qualified leadership is of utmost importance to the success of students and faculty at all our schools, but is particularly true for our secondary schools.

We therefore urge you to take immediate steps to give the vacancies at Manteo High School for principal (should you accept Mr. Walterhouse's request for leave of absence), and for assistant principal, the priority they deserve. The selection of a new principal is of overriding importance. We further urge that:

A selection committee be established, inclusive of parents and faculty.

Newly developed criterion by the NC Standards Board for Principalship be adopted to ensure that persons being hired meet the best standards of performance and professional training.

We further request criteria be established more specific to our needs: professional training at the desired job level being considered; the candidate has experience appropriate to the job; that the candidate has successful experiences at a comparably sized or larger school; and that the candidate's school meets all requirements of a top, excellent secondary school and is SACC accredited.

That the search for new principals be an open and fair process, not limited to just our immediate region.

That goals and objectives be established to ensure that Manteo High School is a No. 1 school of excellence in all areas. We believe this starts at the top, with experienced and successful leadership committed to providing the best education possible for our youth in a climate of acceptance and encouragement.

Time is of the essence now to take positive steps toward resolving the needs of educating our students at Manteo High School. While no student can afford to waste any time, the time for college preparation is precious for juniors and seniors. At the same time there is urgency to address the immediate needs at MHS; it must be done with a careful and thorough search, adequate guidance by the board and with clearly defined goals.

Cathy Latta and Trish Blackmon,

MHS Co-Presidents of PTSA

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