Editorial Thumbs up to two best buddies

Thumbs up to Darci Joyce and Kalie-Ann Nassoura for sharing their heart-warming story of attending the Exeter High School junior prom together as best friends last Saturday.

Darci was born with Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic condition that causes a range of developmental problems including learning disabilities and cognitive impairment. She and Kalie-Ann bonded through the Best Buddies Program, which pairs able-bodied students with those who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Kalie-Ann, a senior, said she simply went to the prom with Darci because she loves spending time with her.

"I don't want anyone to think I'm helping her by taking her," she said. "I am privileged and honored to take her to the prom. I'm the lucky one here, I get to spend this amazing night with her. It's such a blessing and a gift."

Darci, a junior, has a big personality, full of joy. She said she couldn't wait to see all the boys in tuxedos.

The friends spend lots of time together at many activities, and prom was a night they wanted to share together, too.

We should all be so lucky to have friends who are as good to each other as Darci and Kalie-Ann. Thank you for the great story.

n n n

Thumbs up to Portsmouth High School English teacher Laura LaVallee, who helped organize a 70-book collection for a summer reading program designed to get teens excited about reading.

The books were chosen by staff members, and there will be a discussion meeting about the books when school resumes in the fall.

LaVallee said she was inspired by her grandfather, who didn't read much until getting a biography of Abraham Lincoln 12 years before he died. He then became an avid reader.

Portsmouth Public Library helped in acquiring some of the titles, which include non-fiction titles like "We Were Soldiers Once and Young" and "Only the Ball was White," about African Americans playing in the Negro Leagues before 1947; works of fiction such as "The Black Book" and "My Heart and Other Black Holes" and graphic novels such as "The Watchmen" and "The Walking Dead."

Here's hoping the program is a success and helps kids to find what they are most interested in reading.

n n n

Thumbs up to everyone involved in organizing and running Memorial Day parades and ceremonies.

Those who gave their lives for our freedom cannot be honored enough, yet attendance at these events is often low. We encourage everyone who can get out to an event to attend. People work very hard to put on parades, recruiting bands and speakers and more.

Men and women who have served and continue to serve their country will give us heartfelt words in ceremonies that mean a great deal to many people, including the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The service of making these events happen deserves much gratitude, too.