Letters to the editor – Tuesday (7-26-11)

Published 12:00 am Monday, July 25, 2011

Win or lose, student athletes deserve support for efforts
I have noticed that teams which consistently win have large attendances, while teams which consistently lose do not.
As adults, do we value only winning? Is this what we choose to teach these students? Most young adults probably don’t require praise for “winning” as much as support when they are disappointed. They might not be great athletes, but they are most definitely students.
We are given an opportunity by attending these games to value their efforts — and don’t think for a minute that the lesson will be lost on them.
For those of you who have never attended a school game, give it a try. The price is right and if sports is not your “thing,” why not go to a band competition in your area?
— Jack Ernst
Spencer
A fond farewell to Paul Oakley — musician extraordinaire
We were surprised to hear that our beloved Paul Oakley is leaving First Presbyterian Church of Salisbury. He will be missed. I think Paul is an outstanding musician. I have enjoyed his organ playing, but he is a virtuoso on the piano. I also believe his singing was greatly appreciated.
His shoes will be difficult to fill. His last apearance will be Sunday, July 31, before he assumed his new position at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, Ky.
May the Lord be sure to take good care of this man, a beautiful soul. May God bless you always, Paul, our dear friend, and the entire group of disciples at First Presbyterian Church.
— Victor and Nioma Farrah
Salisbury