Dr. David Atwood, a 1959 graduate of Island Trees High School, donated a copy of his recently published textbook Soft X-Rays and Extreme Ultraviolet Radiation: Principles and Applications, to his former school district as a means of encouraging current and future students in their academic endeavors.

Dr. Atwood is the director of the Center for X-Ray Optics at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. In addition, he is a professor in residence in both the department of electrical engineering and computer science and the graduate group in applied science and technology at the University of California, Berkeley, as well as being a fellow of the Optical Society of America. Dr. Atwood is also the author of over 100 published scientific articles. His textbook has received international acclaim.

Dr. Atwood wrote a page and a half handwritten letter to the students of Island Trees in the front cover of the donated textbook. In the letter, Atwood admits that he was not a stellar student while in high school and urges any student who reads the letter not to become discouraged by academic failures. In the message, Atwood tells students, present and future, "not to give up on themselves." He credits his success to his teachers who persevered and encouraged him to achieve greater heights. "I am hopeful that a few present and future students will read this note, browse through the book, and be inspired to move beyond what they previously thought possible," Atwood writes.

The textbook was presented to the district at last Wednesday night's board of education meeting by Atwood's former science teacher, Dr. Ira Finkel. Finkel, professor of graduate studies at Dowling College, was the Island Trees High School Science Chairperson from 1953 to 1986 and taught Atwood in several science classes.

According to Finkel, Atwood did not recognize the impact his teachers and the staff at Island Trees had on his life until he left for college but it was in recognition of this impact that Atwood asked Finkel to present the textbook on his behalf. On hand for the presentation were Atwood's sister and niece and several other proud family members.

Superintendent of Schools Richard Segerdahl called the textbook a wonderful tribute to the district and a wonderful tribute to Dr. Atwood.