Monday, we read of a 15-year-old that seems to have thrown his life away because of drugs and murder.
Like many in the Hixson and Soddy Daisy area I attended Falling Water Elementary School. There I met and was taught by Mr. Republican, Charlie Peavyhouse. It was under Mr. Peavyhouse that I learned the differences between a Republican and Democrat. But I also learned the value of a mentor.
Today, our children are growing up in broken homes. Far to often, momma and daddy are gone and a gang of thugs is quick to raise a child to join them. Children need to know how to confront peer pressure. Our children need involved adults like Charlie Peavyhouse.
Some kids grow up in suburbia but attend a public school that doesn't teach civics. Our children need to be taught the American form of representative government. As an adolescent I was putting up Reagan/Bush signs while Mr. Peavyhouse drove me around telling me about liberals and conservatives. Little did I know one day I would be running for office; as I am now.
I thank God for Charlie Peavyhouse. He took time to teach a kid the greatness of America. It is this example we adults should follow. It's also what our children desperately need.
Proud American
Chris Harvey