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Dear Editor,

In response to the letter to the editor in support of Gloria Witt:

Reading about Ms. Witt’s background and overcoming obstacles to reach her accomplishments, I am thinking about how she could best assist our communities. Participating in a political process in an assembly of (well-intentioned, I am sure) politicians, is one way to make a point but does not directly affect those one represents.

What is needed in direct contact with those who are facing those same obstacles today, sharing the motivations and support that Ms. Witt herself possessed/received as she became successful. Personal motivational appearances would be far more effective. Working with the districts’ boards of education, who recently debated or doubted programs where the students’ inability to read was important enough to re-think curricula, would benefit students’ personal growth and achievement in every other educational effort, indeed their very future life.

Having said this, I intend to join those who are assisting adults who cannot read, and school children who need individual support in struggling with reading, in my own county.

Patricia Israel

Kenbridge