My Niece and MHS.

It was just last Monday around noon when I got a call from my mother that brought some tragic news. My stepsister Shirley Stingle had a brain hemmorrage and slipped into a coma. I was then told that there was no coming back from this and she was on life support.

Although I didn't have a close relationship with her its been a tough week. Not only for losing Shirley but for the 14 yr. old daughter she has now left behind. Shirley was a single parent that also lived with her sister Cherri. All 3 of them shared a 2 bedroom apt. in Cherry Hill. With Shirley and her daughter Melissa sharing the one bedroom. Last Wednesday Shirley was taken off life support and died about an hour later. Our entire family is asking the question, what is going to happen to Melissa?!

Last Sunday I heard a radio spot for MHS while at the deli getting some lunch meat. Now I never heard an ad for the school before so I was intrigued and listened carefully. They were having a meeting at the Comfort Inn in Pottstown last Tuesday night and they were going to have representatives from MHS there for literature, questions, etc. Not knowing when I heard it on Sunday that my mother would be there on behalf of my stepniece Melissa because of this tragedy.

The idea of her going to MHS came up a few years ago but Shirley was very reluctant to let her go there regardless of their financial situation. Now the idea has surfaced once again and this time its only MHS that will stand in her way of getting in.

The application for enrollment has been sent out and should arrive any day if not already! My mother had spoken with an Admission Rep. by the name of Debra Leach. I have also put emails into other people I know that still have connections with the school to see if there is anything they can do to make sure she is accepted for the next school year. We know age is certainly a factor and they don't take kids past the age of 15. Her father has never been in the picture and from what I have heard recently is that he died sometime last year. Shirley was an introverted person and rarely attended holiday gatherings, etc. We our very grateful that she and Melissa were with us this past Christmas up at my mom and stepdads home in Souderton, Pa.

I have said this before and I will say it again. Although I spent 4 years there from 7th-10th grades and didnt graduate, I will always be forever grateful for the structure and discipline I had at the Intermediate Division. The Carneys' at Moldavia were strict but they meant well. I was able to go back to Hershey in the fall of 2000 and see the Carneys for the 1st time in nearly 20 yrs. Me and the Mr. played golf and then had a nice dinner together. I remember telling them how much I appreciated them for those 2 yrs. It was really just Mr. because we had a love for both baseball and golf. Anyway... She lost her life at least 5 yrs. ago and he lost his life a couple of years back. I am thankful I reached out to Mike Weller and he gave me the info I was looking for to make this final visit possible.

Anyways... Melissa is a bright girl with pretty much straight A's. She is very personable and I think will represent MHS very well. To me its a win win for both the school and her. She has the potential to do anything, if given the chance. We all know how fast time goes by and in 4 yrs. she will hopefully be ready for college and a bright future! She needs the structure and opportunities that this school can offer her. We know she will finish her freshman year at Cherry Hill West here in NJ. and hopefully will get the call, visit, offer of acceptance, etc. before next school year. She wanted to go 3 yrs. ago but her mother didn't want it. Now the family is hoping and praying she can take advantage of it.

If I were 14 and had the chance to go back to the MHS of today, I would do it in a heartbeat! Again if there is anyone from MHS staff-admin that hear of this story, please look for the name of Melissa Stingle and let her take advantage of the opportunities you have to offer.

I never thought we would ever be talking about another generation in our family attending MHS.

The bottom line is we are all very concerned for her and what will happen should MHS not come through. I don't even want to think about it.

Thanks for your time...