Dear Editor:

On April 30 I attended the memorial service held after school for Mr. Rider, and I was appalled by the lack of students in the auditorium. The auditorium was barely three‑quarters filled and about half of those were teachers.

Mr. Rider was a fine man, yet the only effect his death had on most students was the cancellation of school for a day. It is too bad that Maine West students won't follow Mr. Rider's example of

compassion, service, and dedication. Apparently, Mr. Rider's life had little impact on most students.

Mr. Rider dedicated his entire life to helping us and others like us. I find it disgusting that most Maine West students couldn't see fit to take even 25 minutes out of their "busy" lives to pay tribute to this great man.

Curt Henrich