In response to the 1/17/2011 post, “MLK Jr. Day,” two readers sent in comments. The first is from the Old Ball Coach, and he simply writes: Excellent. SC Response An ‘Atta Boy’ from your coach, feels good. No matter how old you are, or how far you are removed from the field. The second reader writes: I work at a school that has a lot African American students, Hispanic students and students from other ethnicities. When I first came to this campus the grade level I worked with had in place an excellent program for the Mexican celebrations of the 16th of September and the 5th of May. We added emphasis on Black History Month by honoring those who had attended this school in years gone by, through interviewing these alums who were now prosperous role models and leaders and then writing a paper about these wonderful and outstanding people. We had a culminating activity by which all of the students gave their person a certificate of honor and a copy of the paper they wrote about them. I believe that making these connections with our community, whether they come from the African American community or another part of the community is a connection that stays with the student for life. It also taught our students how these people came to such a wonderful life. It all pointed back to education. Because our students were allowed to reflect upon the previous students who’d attended this school and meet them and know them and honor them, our students then became students who wanted to be like these people. SC Response To quote the Old Ball Coach, “Excellent.” Think. Work. Achieve.Your turn…Visit the LYS Booth at the TASA Mid-Winter ConferenceAttend the LYS Presentation at the National Conference on EducationVisit the LYS Booth at the NASSP Conference