On Feb. 26, 20 11th-grade students from schools in Los Angeles County will fly to Philadelphia, accompanied by two teachers, to take part in a four-day symposium at Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. They will join with 11th-graders from several states. The topic discussed will be the fourth amendment of the Constitution and how it affects these high school students. The entire trip will be underwritten by the Los Angeles County Chapter of Freedoms Foundation.
Unfortunately, none of the students will be from Malibu High School. As a member of the Los Angeles Chapter and a Malibu resident, I felt strongly that this opportunity should be offered to the students of Malibu High. I’d spoken to students who had taken part in previous years and was impressed by their knowledge of our government and their desire to pursue careers in public service. So, in September, and again in November, Mrs. Carole Silva, a teacher at Los Angeles City College, approached Mr. Matthews. She explained that the only requirement was that the students write an essay on “Why I am (or would be) proud to be an American.” Mr. Matthews seemed to be in favor of having his Advanced Placement students take part, but no essays were delivered. On Mrs. Silva’s request, I went to the school twice. On my second visit, Mr. Matthews said, “I have your number. I’ll call you.”
The places reserved for Malibu students were offered to Glendale High. In two days the essays were delivered and 10 delighted Glendale students will have an unforgettable learning experience.
Agnes Peterson