Wednesday January 30, 2013

209 W 24
th
St #3
Burley, Idaho 83318
Cassia School Cassia County School District 151
3650 Overland Avenue
Burley, Idaho 83318
Attention: Members of the Cassia County School Board


Dear Committee,


I am writing this letter in support of my student, Carson Hawker. I have known Carson for only
five months in my Drama Class and as an actor in our recent BHS production of Night of
January 16
th
. During that time, Carson has displayed dedication, flexibility, positivity and
encouragement and support to his fellow actors. Throughout the rehearsal preparation process,
when I made a request to Carson, I was never disappointed in his response and follow thru.
During the entire 1
st
Semester, Carson had only 2 absences, no tardies and I have him first
period in the morning. When a fellow actor could not come to a performance due to an ill family
member, Carson was willing to jump in and perform BOTH his assigned role and the other
actors as well. On another night, when another actor failed to show up due to work related
issues, Carson again, undertook THAT actors role without missing a beat. While all the rolls
involved were low line-load parts, all characters were onstage the entire 2 hours of the
performance. Carson stepped up when needed.

As a teacher new to the district, all my students are new to me, and unless I dig deep, ask a lot of
questions and read extensive log entries I do not know their pasts, so I was ignorant of Carsons
transgressions as a freshman. He was, frankly, among the last of my students that I would have
suspected, had he not come forward that night.

I believe strongly in requiring students to be held responsible for their actions. I also believe in
acknowledging when students do the right things and make the right choices. Carson has made a
bone-head error in judgment to be sure, and consequences must be forthcoming. I implore you to
recognize the following; Carson could have left the building that night without saying a word to
me. He had that opportunity handed to him when I asked him to help my daughter take a clothing
rack to her car with her, because I could not transport two racks in my vehicle. Instead, Carson
chose to return to the building and lingered, until all the other students left, to approach me and
admit that what I had found was his. He stated to me that he did not want anyone else to be
accused. He did not ask me to give him the substance back. He did not appeal to or beg me for
any kind of mercy or reveal his past in an attempt to gain sympathy from me because this
incident would have severe repercussions. He simply accepted my disappointing gaze and stern
words with grace and humility.

Its been said that justice is not always fair and fairness is not always just. I do not envy the
question put before you regarding this set of circumstances. I only ask that Carsons
demonstration of behavior during these last two years be considered as testament of the changes
he has tried to make, and of the man he is striving to become.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Sincerely,



A. Janie Hudgens