I watched as girls who never thought they could accomplish such events improved every week and at every meet. I watched as a young girl without even realizing it drop 20 more than pounds, win her first race and confidence enough to attend homecoming as one of its shinning stars.

I watched my own daughter, an only child who is very independent, learn about being part of a team, what team work means whether you're winning or losing, how to be there for one and other.

I watched other changes in my daughter and other members of the team: confidence, accepting and striving towards new challenges. Girls who were swimmers and divers to young women that were swimming longer distances. Divers who pushed for excellence and tried new and difficult dives.

So to Coach Applegate and your staff, thank you for your patience, dedication and your tremendous hard work. Never stop believing education and athletics don't make a difference. You returned some fine young women to both schools. For that you have made both communities a better place.

Colleen Passer, Yelm

- On Halloween, after the bulk of the kids had come, I took my evening walk with the dog. I was the only person home, and with memories of what can happen when nobody is home on Halloween, I left a bowl of small candy bars on the front porch, under the light, with a sign tacked to the wall: "I'll be back soon. Take one or two."

I knew it was a test of sorts, and was interested to see what would be left when I got home. Would even the bowl be gone, or smashed? I take long walks and was gone an hour. When I got home half the candy was still there.

The kids passed the test with flying colors! Thank you whoever you were, for that ray of hope.

Eric Houghton, Olympia

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