To The Editor:
“All things excellent are as difficult as they are rare.” With these words Spinosa closed his philosophical work, “The Ethics.”
Across the world, communities, families, and individuals strive to meet that elusive bar. Last week some models of excellence illuminated the pages of “The Valley Reporter.”
Jon Ricard’s letter, respectfully and bravely set the record straight on the whole truth about Mad River Valley icon, Dave Sellers, pedophile, and brilliant architect. Evil can lurk behind charisma, hide itself behind the approving winks of those too fearful or too embarrassed to call it out. Pulling that mask off, while honoring both good and evil, is difficult, excellent, and rare.
District School Superintendent, Dr. Mike Leichliter’s words rang out from an article written by student reporter, Claire Pomer. “Disagreement, controversy, or strong emotions do not meet (the legal) standard,” needed to justify denying students’ first amendment rights. Superintendent Leichliter’s measured and wise words were the justification for his decision to grant the high school equity club, CARE, permission to show a controversial documentary film in the school library.
Facing controversy squarely, standing up to powerful leaders of organized religion and the scrutiny of an angry community that employs you, takes bountiful courage. Believing in the educational system you lead and the student leaders who thrive within it, is an act of faith and demonstration of confidence in the excellence of that system, those students, and their families.
According to the facts traced in the news article by reporter Pomer, student CARE club leader, Harmony Devoe, diplomatically navigated turbulent waters between CARE, school administrators, the school board, her fellow students, and complaints from the public. Her leadership is a shining example of excellence of character, intelligence, patience, and wisdom.
In the Mad River Valley the truth is told. Mad River Valley schools teach young community members to tell the truth, to hear the truth, and to face the truth. Difficult, excellent, and rare. Excellence is beaming a bright light over the Mad River Valley community. You all must be so proud!
Diane Villemaire (Harwood Union Biology Teacher (1970-2007)
Brunswick, Georgia
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