Save Hersey guitar program from cuts

I was notified about Hersey cutting its guitar program a couple weeks ago, and I have to say I was and am extremely shocked and saddened by the news.

I graduated from Hersey in 2006 and participated in the guitar program for two years, my junior and senior year. The guitar program was so much fun, it pushed me to be a better musician and expanded my knowledge and ability.

It was a great program. In fact, my senior year the guitar program was nominated and won a Grammy for being such a productive and exceptional program. We also received an award from Gibson (a widely known guitar company). Hersey has always been known for its musical talent and prowess, and for that reason alone I really can't even believe that this program is being cut.

I understand that Hersey probably has a reason for cutting this program (tight budget, etc.), but there has to be another way so that this program can go on.

For these reasons, I am writing to you, the Daily Herald. We depend on local news to get the word out on certain issues and this issue affects hundreds of students at Hersey for years to come. If the Grammy-winning guitar program at Hersey High School is canceled, where will Hersey draw the line for other exceptional programs in the future?

Tim Whalen

Arlington Heights