We are your children, West Hempstead.

The students in the classroom, gaining the knowledge today so we can lead our community tomorrow; the participants in after-school athletics, strengthening both body and spirit; the players upon the stage, performing in the dramatic arts, making beautiful music, showcasing our many talents that our schools have encouraged and cultivated.

We are your children, West Hempstead.

The young scholars whose experiments and prose take top honors at science fairs and national competitions; the gleeful and bright-eyed, who shine in NYSSMA and Quiz Bowl; the hopeful and enthusiastic, who share ideas and ideals through Model Congress; those who aspire to do great things, around the world, and right here at home.

We are your children, West Hempstead.

Those who regularly go above and beyond to make our community a better place to live and raise families; the helping hand of the Key Club volunteer; the warm smile in a Senior to Senior forum; the civic-minded, who keep pace with graffiti and trash in our parks, and keep peace through student mentoring and intervention programs.

We are your children, West Hempstead. We are the future of this wonderful community. Nurture us. Support us. Give us every possible advantage, so that we - and this community along with us - may succeed.

Please vote "YES" on the re-vote of the school budget, Tuesday, June 20.

Melissa J. Bykofsky

Class of 2007, West Hempstead High School