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The Fayette Citizen-Opinion Page
Wednesday, March 8, 2000
Humanities deserves saving

I wanted to write you to tell you something that deeply concerns me and many others in the town of Peachtree City. I am a freshman in college at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and I recently received some disturbing news that I feel you as well as the citizens of Peachtree City should know. I'll start at the beginning.

I graduated from McIntosh High School in 1999 and was fortunate to be one of the few from my class that had the opportunity to be in this government/economics/English class called Humanities. This class was taught by two of what I consider the best teachers that McIntosh has ever seen, Kelly Baker and Craig Humphrey.

Humanities is the only class that I really loved going to and actually looked forward to in the early mornings. I do not know where to begin in trying to explain how much this class impacted my life. I learned so much more than the good old textbook knowledge of school. I learned more about people from projects and personal interactions as well as knowledge on worldly topics, debates on philosophers, Shakespeare, poetry (that I actually liked!) politics and news. Anything from the meaning of life to personal thoughts on feminism was discussed. Good stuff, things that turned from incomprehensible to intriguing.

It may seem like it's too hard to believe, but believe me, it was incredible. Whatever you put into the class you got out of it. I made some of my best friends in that class. We bonded not only in class but out of class. Not cliques, just one big group of everyone. People from all different social standing, “the jocks,” the thespians, everyone, everyone actually putting aside their differences and coming together each morning for two hours of “life.”

Gosh, if there was one year I wouldn't mind going back and doing again, it would be that year. The reason why I am writing you this and explaining this all to you, is because the powers that be in charge of McIntosh, decided recently to cancel this class. I think it was some comment on finances and funds.

Where this excuse comes from I do not know. Never once do I recall humanities asking for or needing any special funds for the class. No school-sponsored field trips, no extra books. This is why I am pleading to you to read my letter, my thoughts and help me. Help all the alums of this class.

For it would be a deep tragedy and loss to the students and members of Peachtree City to lose something so incredible. All I ask is for you to print this letter in your paper. I can guarantee that people care, many people that can help. Please. Thank you for your time.

Name withheld by request


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