Teacher touches students' lives

Mrs. Irvine Parsons was my music/glee club teacher at Beverly Hills Junior High School from 1976-1979. I have always said that she was the best teacher I ever had! She was really tough, but genuinely cared for her students.

She taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. She loved the subject she taught and instilled that love of music in her students. I can truly say that she is one (of only two or three teachers) who I had in my academic career who changed my life for the better! I will always cherish the memories I have of being in her classes.

If every teacher just had a smidge of her dedication, integrity and love for their subject and students that Mrs. Parsons showed to us, this world would certainly be a different place. Everyone who has known me can tell you that I've always held her up as THE template of what a true teacher should be. I thank you for recognizing her major contribution to the youth of Huntington, for giving us the skills to succeed in life and for giving her students a lifelong love and appreciation of music and for her!

Jenny Gilmore

Proctorville, Ohio

Bands unfairly let go after VFW party

What do you think when you see a VFW Club? An organization for which you associate honesty and truth. I and some other patrons want to know why some bands have been dismissed lately after being told that they would be there for the month playing on Friday and Saturday nights, only to find out after one night that they are dismissed.

One band I enjoyed was let go after the 1950s and '60s party at VFW 1064. This new band was told less than 36 hours before the party about the '50s and '60s music; this band was not prepared because it was not told far enough in advance. The organizer was informed that this band played mostly country music. So if it did not know about this special '50s and '60s party, they were unjustifiably let go.

There was a large crowd that night and a lot of people dancing and having a good time, which is good. I really enjoyed this band and so did other people. I think they were unjustifiably dismissed. What do you think?

Barbara Mills

Huntington

Chad would make perfect MU coach

Chad Pennington would be a perfect fit for Marshall. I think if Chad retires this year, Mr. Hamrick should pursue him as our next head coach. In a perfect world, it would be nice to groom him in, but Chad's no ordinary guy -- he's a Rhodes Scholar, he's a head coach on the field. With his credentials, what kid wouldn't want to play for him?

He would bring energy and excitement back. In order for us to take the next step, we need a high profile guy like Chad. It's a no-brainer. Hire Chad and put the Herd back on the map.

Jack McMillian Jr.

Proctorville, Ohio

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