To the Editor:

An anonymous savant once wrote, "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear."  I would like to publicly commend two Hilltown individuals who have made that judgment.

The first is Gerald Larghe, outgoing Berne-Knox-Westerlo School Board member. During his tenure in office he was unflinching in maintaining a high ethical standard.  One of his most significant contributions was in being the driving force behind developing a hiring policy for our district.  He designed it to eliminate as much as possible any favoritism in hiring. 

The second is Lillian Sisson-Chrysler. Lillian, though uncomfortable being a "public" person, has put personal fears aside and stepped up to the plate. She is running unopposed for the vacant school board position.

Thanks to both of you for deeming our residents, our children, our school district of more importance than your personal peace of mind.  Many have described the job of a school board member as a thankless job.  I want to go on record as saying, “Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Helen M. Lounsbury

Berne

Editor’s note: Helen M. Lounsbury is a retired Berne-Knox-Westerlo teacher and a former member of the BKW School Board. After her name, she signed her letter “School Board Service Survivor.”