Richard is a remarkable young man. Very, very few sixth graders qualify for the runoffs in papers at the national finals. Maybe a handful in the five years I've been a coordinator. I don't think he knows that. The topic was controversial, but he handled it like a pro. His growth as a person this year was astonishing. The friendships he made were priceless. If Richard has a flaw, he is too hard on himself. STOP IT!!! You are amazing beyond words. I am so proud of you--to take on something like this is so brave. You could easily have backed down, but you would not have gained the respect of so many. So a few judges missed the point. So what!?

I'm STILL not sleeping on Arizona time.

Laurie Devine