THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, June 25, 1994                    TAG: 9406210015 
SECTION: FRONT                     PAGE: A10    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: Short 
DATELINE: 940625                                 LENGTH: 

WRITE ON

{LEAD} I've read all the horror stories. Thirteen percent of all 17-year-olds are functionally illiterate. Standardized test scores are declining. Companies have to hold remedial reading classes for newly hired college graduates. Only 20 percent of high-school seniors can write a persuasive essay.

This information shook my faith in our educational system. I am happy that much of that shattered faith has been restored by Evangeline Su, a rising senior at Western Branch High School.

{REST} Ms. Su has proved that at least some high-school students can still write, and write well. Her ``Japan must admit World War II atrocities'' (Another View, June 14) was well-organized, interesting and persuasive. I read several nationally syndicated columnists who, while they may equal her, do not surpass her.

Ms. Su and her parents, and her teachers, merit compliments. I hope Ms. Su will consider a career in journalism.

DONALD W. HESSE

Chesapeake, June 15, 1994 by CNB