Miracle boy a joy in the classroom

Published 12:01 am Saturday, June 18, 2011

To Eric Stevick and The Herald: Thank you for writing such a wonderful article about Kenny Collett. (June 5, “For 16 years, a father has kept the names of the firefighters who helped saved his son’s life.”)

I have been Kenny’s music teacher for seven years and he is truly a miracle! I have watched him learn to play the trombone and the tuba. I have also had him in three musical theater productions playing parts of the Modern Major General in “The Pirates of Penzance,” Charlie Brown in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” and this year as Frank in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”

I have known all along about Kenny’s accident when he was young and I always looked at it with disbelief because he is such a joy in the classroom. Kenny’s zeal for life has been apparent as he puts his faith in God and is thankful for each day he is given.

Please send my thanks as well to those who helped Kenny that day and allowed me to be blessed in the classroom with his smile and laughter!

Leslie Sullivan
Director of Music & Theater
Junior High English Teacher
Horizon Christian School
Hood River, Ore.