My name is Todd Maddux, and I am an agriculture teacher at Dos Palos High School. The first week in December a fire in the adjoining wood shop swept across the Career and Technical Education wings on our campus and subsequently entirely destroyed our agriculture department and the ag mechanics shop. Student projects, record books, FFA and ag departtment history were all destroyed. The outpouring of support from our community and surrounding communities has been amazing. But this letter is to tell you about the support we (Dos Palos ag department and students) have received from your community's generous young people.

Two weeks ago, my parents, who live in Mariposa, received a check made out to the Dos Palos FFA from one of your great youth organizations. The Triangle 4-H decided to donate money to help our students in Dos Palos rebuild. My parents were both ag teachers, my sister is an ag teacher, and I subsequently chose this field of education. I have been a member of or involved with 4-H and FFA organizations my entire life and know the limited funds these clubs have to operate on while being an integral part of students' education and development of leadership skills. That is why I, the staff of our ag department, and our students were so appreciative of this donation. The unselfishness and generosity of your young people to decide to help other young people they have never met is without question a direct reflection of your great community.

When I and the other ag teacher received this check, our first reaction was, "How can we possibly take a check from young people who probably need this money for their organization's daily operations?" But, we agreed that we are not the ones to tell these young people that helping others you feel need help is without warrant or appreciation. We shared the news of this donation with our students in the hope that they will know the generosity of people to give all they can to help others. My only hope is that our students will "pay it forward" and have the same moral and grounded values that your young people have exhibited. Thank you.

Todd Maddux