I walked into Fayette Middle School last Tuesday, April 18, to view the art show that the school was hosting. There were so many works of art on display, something special from each class, even a room full of paintings and artworks from the faculty. I thought there was a stereo playing classical music, when to my delight, I realized there were three young ladies playing flutes.

I want to tell you about the special art teacher, Ellen Mitchell, along with the principal, Mike Maxwell, who deserve so much recognition. They are the type of educators that are so necessary in our society today. They realize how different we all are. And that if our differences can he recognized, not ignored, and put on display, that art comes in many forms.

Our son Adam, typically, does not come home shouting about wonderful things that happened to him in school. He has always loved art projects, and has always spoken to us of his art teacher, Ellen Mitchell. She did something extraordinary for many that day, she noticed. She noticed that Adam was drawing pictures of skaters, and asked him if he would put together an outside program with his friends, to show their skating abilities. Of course, he was more than happy to oblige.

These guys put together a wonderful test of balance, nerve and extreme ability. They have a language all their own. It includes these terms: U.F.O, vert, street, misty flip, royale, grind, just to name a few. To watch them is to understand them. To me, it is like watching acrobatics, gymnastics, with a twist of anything goes, and it is so enjoyable. Skaters and skateboarders are always given a bad name.

I wanted to give a very special thank-you to Mike Maxwell and Ellen Mitchell for having extreme vision. There is so much worry in our school systems today, that more educators should realize that it takes principals and teachers who take the time to realize and recognize the talents of all their students.

My son is not an honor roll student, but I never felt more proud of him, and the rest of the guys pouring their hearts out on the pavement that day, proud to be part of a school activity that included them.

Sabrina Bazydlo

Fayetteville

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