Since 1999, many Lewiston students have been awarded TOPS camp scholarships of $1,000 per summer. That is made possible through the Libra Foundation, the legacy of Elizabeth Noyce, a former Maine resident.

Ms. Noyce requested very little from the recipients of her gift. All recipients are to be public school students, ages 8-13, responsible and thoughtful citizens, noted in community or neighborhood service, polite and respectable to adults, and show academic effort. It is not a “send-a-poor-child-to-camp” fund, or another way to highlight the honor roll student. It is, however, the perfect opportunity to reward the “good child.”

I believe some people disregard those guidelines and give their signatures of authority to students who clearly do not meet those criteria.

It seems to be the philosophy to allow even the most mischievous, noncompliant students to participate in the program.

The opportunity for natural consequence and parent involvement in the moral development of their children is lost as those students are sent out to the great outdoors.

Since it has been decided to disregard Ms. Noyce’s wishes, why stop there? Why not allow private school students? Many of those children attend school with financial assistance. They could surely benefit from a camp scholarship as much as their counterparts in public school. If the powers that be feel that they can adapt the program, why not adapt it to allow more children a little camping fun away from the big city?

Stephanie Ward, Lewiston

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