`alaska' Gives Benedict Chance To Act Against Type 
Actor Is Thrilled To Develop His Character In This New Family Adventure Film

Amvets Show They Care -- The Amvets Of

Monday, August 12, 1996 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 





Alumnus wants fine educational tradition kept alive at Pittston Area &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 In 1973 I graduated from Pittston Area High School. I am currently an opera
singer, singing concerts and recitals throughout the world while residing in &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BostonWith two music degrees from Pennsylvania's Mansfield University, I
moved to Boston to study with the faculties of both Boston University and the
New England Conservatory of Music. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 It hardly seems possible that it has been 23 years since I was a student at
Pittston Area. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 I have been thinking about the education that I received there, and I would
be remiss if I did not tell you that I owe a debt of gratitude to the many
fine teachers who played a role in preparing me to succeed not only in my
chosen field of expertise, but as a knowledgeable and well-rounded member of
society. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 I don't have to tell you that the present generation faces an even more
competitive and demanding world and that our students deserve the opportunity
to enter that world with as many advantages as we can provide. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 I encourage you, I implore you to stand firm against the tide of cut-backs
and the lure and deception of tax cuts in favor of giving our young people
superior math skills, world-class language and communication skills, the Greek
ideal of the balance between the arts and physical fitness, and cutting-edge
technology. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Your jobs are formidable ones and the decisions you face are certainly not
easy. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Please, for the sake of the students, do the right thing. Your unswerving
commitment to excellence will not go unnoticed. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Many of the fine teachers who gave of themselves so willingly when I was a
student, are still teaching at Pittston Area. Please encourage them, support
them, challenge them to excellence, but please first set the example
yourselves. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 I thank them and I thank you. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Thomas Jones &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Boston &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alumnus Wants Fine Educational Tradition Kept Alive At Pittston Area 
In 1973 I Graduated From Pittston Area High School. I Am Currently An Opera 
Singer, Singing Concerts And Recitals Throughout The World While Residing In 
Boston.

Alumnus Wants Fine Educational Tradition Kept Alive At Pittston Area In 1973 I Graduated From Pittston Area High School. I Am Currently An Opera Singer, Singing Concerts And Recitals Throughout The World While Residing In Boston.