Opinion

Although Relay 2008 was cut short by stormy weather on June 27, it didn’t come to a screeching halt. On Saturday evening, July 19 more than 60 people including team members, team captains, survivors and Relay supporters met at the Henry County Fairgrounds for a special three hour Relay Finale ending with a moving Luminary Ceremony.

As (teachers, students and families) ready for another year of homeroom and homework, it is worth taking a step back to see just how far Kentucky has come in educating our children – and how far the Commonwealth still has to go.

Summer has always had a special place in my heart for a number of reasons.

Primarily, I yearn for summer because the thought of sleeping in until my eyes open sounds like bliss every time I hear my alarm clock screech the other months of the year.

My internship with the Henry County Local was not only a job, but it was a learning experience that a classroom setting simply can not offer.

As I sit here at home on Sunday morning, I am still somewhat frazzled by the jet lag incurred from flying east for nearly 20 hours. I want to wrap up this series of articles about our trip to China by writing about the lasting impressions that China made on our family. There is no way to write it all in detail. The patient and generous editor of the Local could not possibly give me that much space!

After our incredibly busy week in Beijing and Xi’an we returned to Shanghai and had a couple of rest days. On Sunday afternoon I got a special treat. Tom and I went downtown to explore Shanghai’s famous Yu Gardens. This was a special treat for a couple of reasons, but mainly because I got to spend time in the presence of another man. I think Verna and Kelley were afraid I was scarred for life after being with seven females for five days without any respite!

Allright American Idol fans and aspiring singers, listen up. You could get your chance for your 15 minutes of fame ... or infamy.

The latest round of audition sites and times has been announced. Big cities like San Francisco, Kansas City, Salt Lake City and more will host auditions in July and August.

But we learned last week that the popular talent contest will hold a round of tryouts in Louisville this year.

On July 19 and 20, prospective auditioners can gather at a location, which has yet to be announced, to get armbands for the auditions.

I tried something new a few weeks ago: carpooling to work. It was a new experience for me, especially since my passenger was a complete stranger.

The night before my carpooling escapade, I had been driving around Louisville with friends. It was so relieving that the weather finally felt like summer and we rolled down the windows, opened the sunroof and enjoyed the warm wind against our faces.

As a former teacher in Henry County, I was disappointed to learn that Steve Swank will no longer be the principal of Henry County Middle School. During my five years at the middle school I was able to witness many positives occurring under Mr. Swank’s leadership. Kentucky Core Content Test scores improved; portfolio writing scores increased to an all-time high of 64 percent proficiency; student technology use was visible throughout the school; and a no-bullying policy was instituted to improve the learning environment of all students.

Since I was the subject of the Wednesday, June 11, article “Ethics committee meets for first time,” I believe it is appropriate that I respond.

The article stated, “Gingrich, who was not present at the meeting” and “he (Gingrich) is not here to defend himself” (YIKES, a resident must defend himself if he writes a letter to the board?) implies that I had a choice to attend or not attend.