A few weeks ago in this space we noted the creative imaginations of two Manhasset teachers--Joie Hinden of the High School English department for the Coffee House at which students read their creative work in a relaxed atmosphere and Patricia Siver at Shelter Rock for the project through which her fourth grade students mapped their town and learned about its businesses. This week the Manhasset Press hat is off to Liz Ploeger for her Advanced Placement Government class. The fact that it was recognized by Bill Bradley, candidate for President of the United States, is an indication that it is a far from business-as-usual course. It was also apparent that those students who came to meet Senator Bradley were interested, well-informed individuals. Bradley's remark that in America today, volunteerism is at an all time high and political participation at an all time low, merits serious thought. Certainly the events of the past year concerning President Clinton have done little to encourage our young people to enter government, but, like it or not, government has an impact on all our lives and it needs our best people. It is not a farfetched thought that a candidate for president in 2020 might have been sitting in the Black Box Theatre last Monday. If he or she was, it is good to know that a politician of the caliber of Bill Bradley was there to encourage participation in the political process.

E.F.B.