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Acclaim and a Shame for Nov. 23, 2009
Published November 23, 2009
Clute Intermediate brings back theater arts program after 15 years
Fifteen years ago, to save money, the curtain fell on the drama program at Clute Intermediate School.
This year, theatrical arts are back as one of the options students can choose as an elective for the last class period of the day. About 20 seventh- and eighth-graders signed up, and drama class students recently staged a two-night production of “Under Jeckyll’s Hyde,” a spoof of the Robert Louis Stevenson horror classic.
The young thespians started working on the play in September, the public was invited to partake of the performances.
“It’s like planting a seed and watching it bloom,” said Clute Intermediate theater teacher Neeta Allen.
More than just recitals, costumes and face paint, the drama class allows students to hone public speaking skills, improve their memory by remembering lines and overcome stagefright.
Getting involved with lighting and sound, costume-making and set construction adds to the experience.
Principal Jay Whitehead said the program promotes numerous life skills, as it teaches students to work as a team, encourages the development of leadership and bolsters self-esteem. It’s hard to come up with a better script for a fun, yet instructive, elective class.
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Thank LJ man for keeping city inviting
Congratulations are due for Lake Jackson’s David Howarth, whose tireless volunteer efforts recently earned him Keep America Beautiful’s prestigious Iron Eyes Cody Award.
The national award is the highest possible for a Keep America Beautiful affiliate, and is named after the American Indian shown crying on 1970s anti-pollution commercials.
“I am truly honored … I’m shocked and surprised,” Howarth said to a crowd gathered recently outside City Hall honoring him for the achievement.
Mayor Bob Sipple even declared Nov. 14 as “David Howarth Day” in Lake Jackson.
Terri Cardwell, Lake Jackson volunteer coordinator, said Howarth was certainly deserving.
“He’s been such a great volunteer,” she said. “He’s a go-getter. He’s not just all talk.”
Howarth has been involved in citywide beautification efforts since 1999. He has led the way in stopping cigarette litter and encouraging recycling in Lake Jackson.
Howarth will actually be presented the Iron Eyes Cody Award on Dec. 4 at Keep America Beautiful’s 56th annual national conference in Washington, D.C.
Join us in offering this community servant a pat on the back.
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Firefighters pay homage to courage
While the whole Brazosport community prays and wishes the best for cancer-stricken 7-year-old Peyton Ricker and his loving Lake Jackson family, the story of a group of local firefighters and the special day they arranged for young Peyton stands out as a perfect example of the kind of neighbors we all should strive to be.
Lake Jackson volunteer firefighters recently scooped up the youngster before school — on a fire truck, no less — and drove him to school at Bess Brannen Elementary. He was named an honorary firefighter for the day. They also gave Peyton a Wii gaming system and his own firefighter uniform.
Robert and Jenna Ricker found out their son, Peyton, had a tumor on his brain stem in July 2008. “Peyton still has a really good attitude,” Jenna Ricker said. “He can tell his body is changing. He’s just getting used to it.”
Lake Jackson Fire Chief Mike Harper said he and his crew were happy to help put a smile on the boy’s face.
“We heard that he’d been wanting a fire truck ride for a long time. We wanted to fulfill one of his wishes,” Harper said.
Many firefighters were brought to tears by the 7-year-old’s plight, and were amazed by his and his family’s strength and courage.
“He’s an amazing boy on a journey none of us have ever taken,” noted Benny Lowery, a Lake Jackson volunteer firefighter.
Young Peyton, who likes to go to school, play with his siblings and wrote a little book about a manatee, thanked the firefighters for the red engine treatment. “I thought, ‘What is that?’” Peyton said. “They said I’m their brother now.”
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