George,

Maurice Jones' program Thursday night on Channel 10, "The Talk of Charlottesville," presented a forum for a diverse group of CHS students, Mr. Jones and Police Chief Timothy J. Longo to address the recent attacks of UVa students.

From the photos in Wednesday's Daily Progress this looked like the same group featured in the article. This was a necessary, and as yet largely neglected pespective, on this issuewhich has generated a lot of heat and very little light, in my view.

I was extremely impressed by the students in the thoughtfulness of their responses and their respectful demeanor. Every one of the 15 to 20 teenagers voiced an opinion, politely taking turns. Although there were some differences of opinion expressed, the consensus seemed to be that further conversation was the best approach. Of primary concern was the negative and inaccurate portrait of their school that the media by and large is trumpeting.

Their scholastic experience is one of relative racial harmony and they regret that many of the programs and individual accomplishments in the arts, athletics and academics are not heralded in the press. They are eager to talk about the situation, not gossip, not speculate, but discuss. Their civility was refreshing and certainly sets an admirable example for their elders in the community to emulate.

I commend Mr. Jones for providing these students with the opportunity to be heard, and his thought provoking and balanced questions, Chief Longo for making himself available to answer questions from another group of concerned citizens, the students who participated for their measured responses and CHS principal, Bobby Thompson, for initiating the dialogue and inviting "us" in for a closer look at the school.

For those who want to see the show it is scheduled to be telecast again at the following times: on Saturday night at 10 pm, Sunday night at 7 & 10 pm and Monday night at 7 & 10 pm.

Millie Fife (February 23, 2002)