Conifer High School has gotten a bum rap in the press. The issue of the controversial yearbook has made national headlines. I agree, mistakes were made and I was also disappointed with the inappropriateness of sections of this year's yearbook. Lessons need to be learned and a commitment made to not making these mistakes again and now we need to move on.

What is most unfortunate about the yearbook issue is that two parents from the same family decided to go directly to the media instead of meeting with Principal Pat Termin as they were invited to do. Why would anyone want to take this to the level these parents did without first trying to approach those directly involved? In any case, this issue is being dealt with in the most reasonable manner considering the circumstances. The administration would not have done anything any differently had this issue not gone to the press.

I don't know her, but I believe Amy McTague deserves to continue in her capacity as yearbook advisor; however, more oversight is needed. She has humbly admitted to not showing good judgment and has asked for another chance. She deserves the opportunity to turn things around and not be turned out the door.

Pat Termin has been a highly professional, poised, caring, fair and effective administrator who will be sorely missed. It is a travesty that she leaves this profession with this a part of her legacy after many years of impeccable leadership.

It is a sad statement that we have all accepted the fact that there exists a drug and alcohol culture at most high schools today. This, however, is not the manner in which Conifer High School deserves to be judged or perceived. It is a great school in a great community with many great assets. Just look at the accomplishments of many CHS students in recent years.

We all owe it to our community to help eliminate the glorification and use of illicit drugs and alcohol.

It was an issue when I was in school in the '70s; the only difference... the kind of drugs young people were using. We don't seem to have progressed.

Adults are responsible for setting the right example to guide our young people's actions. Nikita Khrushchev, Premier of the Soviet Union from 1953-1964, and his successor Leonid I. Brezhnev agreed that the Soviet Union did not have to worry about defeating the United States because we would destroy ourselves with a prolific drug culture. Will these words prove true? Where are we headed?

Mary Hastings
Conifer High School Parent