Dear Students,
I am a member of the Charlotte Amalie Class of 1984 and a member of the U.S. Air Force stationed in Germany. I always make it a point to keep up with what is going on in the community and especially at CAHS.
I'm writing this letter to address the incident at the school on the 17th of February.
Frankly, I was angered and disgusted that such a thing could happen at MY school. I say my school because I and thousands of others before you have invested a lot of time, effort and hard work to make our school what it is today.
My contribution to this legacy was as a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, a member of the CAHS Marching Band, and a member of the varsity soccer and volleyball teams. And there are countless people who can make these or similar claims.
This school has produced educators, doctors, lawyers, governors, senators, members of Congress and professional sports players to name just a few.
These people are not only in the local community but all over this planet. And many of them can tell you that their success was due to the solid foundation that our school provided.
This school is rich in history and tradition and it pains me when something is done to tarnish its reputation.
You must realize when you put on that uniform, you are instantly recognized and anything you do will reflect on the school. No matter if you from Savan or "Ras Valley", once you put on that uniform, you now represent the Blue and Gold and you carry the weight of all those who have come before you on your back. This should be first and utmost in your mind.
To those who feel that they can't live up the challenge, should not be granted the privilege of wearing the uniform.
To those students of Charlotte Amalie High School who work hard every day to continue the tradition of our school, I salute you; and know that you are part of a special fraternity and you have years of tradition behind you.
I can tell from living abroad, the instant you meet a fellow Chicken Hawk an instant bond is formed like no other.
It's really something you will have to experience for yourself. I can say with confidence and a little bit of arrogance that CAHS is the best. And whenever anyone challenges that notion, I can say just look at our tradition and history.
Jason R. Bowry
Sgt. U.S. Air Force
Kaiserslautern, Germany
