THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 7, 1996 TAG: 9604040003
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
It seems like young people are constantly getting into trouble. You cannot turn on the news or open up the paper without seeing the story of yet another teen committing a crime or being endangered. Crime and drug use are severe problems. Sometimes it seems like the leaders of tomorrow might not make it through today.
However, there are teens who are making a difference. I am a member of the International Order of Job's Daughters, a youth group for girls ages 11 to 20 who are related to Masons. This group promotes love for our leaders, respect for our country and flag and teaches the importance of helping others. We do many things to help our communities; an example of this is supporting H.I.K.E.
H.I.K.E. stands for Hearing Impaired Kids' Endowment. The H.I.K.E. fund helps to buy hearing aids and devices for children who need them. Not only do the individual bethels raise money for this fund, but the entire state raises money for this worthy cause.
Once a year, Jobies from across the state get pledges and come to Virginia Beach to hike 5 miles on the boardwalk to raise money. Not only is this a lot of fun, but it teaches youths that they can make a difference. Virginia has been the largest contributor to the international H.I.K.E. fund out of all the other states and countries for the past few years.
The next time you hear of another bad situation involving a young person, please remember that many young people, like the members of Job's Daughters, are still trying to help out the people around them and secure promising futures. Our generation should not be judged on the mistakes of a few people, but on the accomplishments of many.
PEGGY STOCKS
Chesapeake, March 16, 1996 by CNB