It seems clear that these are the finest people a community could ask to have as residents. They are enthusiastic teachers with strong moral compasses. Theirs is a program based on community service, physical health, mentoring, and, above all, the Christian faith.

We have the chance to have these wonderful people among us--bringing job opportunities and tax dollars and serving as positive role models. They even offer scholarships for a few children each year. It's hard to imagine all the ways we could benefit from the presence of ALA in Caroline.

So how could this happen? As an alumna of U.Va., I am reminded of the events surrounding President Sullivan over the summer. A board of visitors acted without justification. A rash decision was made; it did not represent the wishes of the majority, and although it might have been seen as "too late" once the announcement was officially made, there was enough intelligent outcry to reverse the decision.

I'd like to think this could happen now for Caroline. I know firsthand there are numerous troubled teens in Caroline County. Abundant Life Academy seems a godsend for a community in need.

If supervisors who voted against this school were able to provide sufficient facts to back up their decision, I might see this differently. But with apparent personal agendas and superstition outweighing justifiable governance, this seems a case of "leadership" holding a community back.

Mary Lanford

Fredericksburg