CONCERT CONFLICTED WITH DRUG FORUM

There might have been a larger turnout for the Teen Drug Abuse Forum
at Manatee High School on Monday night had it not been that several
hundred parents and students were attending/participating in the MHS
Winter Vocal Concert at West Bradenton Baptist Church that night.

The parents attending the concert were neither "apathetic" nor "in
denial" about teen drug abuse. We knew where our teens were, what they
were doing there, and we were there to support them.

The concert was absolutely wonderful! The music was beautifully sung
and reminded us of the true meaning of this Christmas season. The
music presented by the Manatee Singers was the same music that they
performed at EPCOT the previous Monday night as part of the
Candlelight Processional. I was privileged to see that concert as well.

I only wish that an event such as this would lend as much (or more)
coverage in the Bradenton Herald as the negative aspects of our culture.

We have some terrific teens in this community, and we need to applaud
their efforts.

John Edrington
Bradenton