To the editor: I had the pleasure of attending the TDHS performance of “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” this weekend and it was a true delight. I volunteered as an audience member speller which allowed me to go on stage and see up close the talent of the cast. Every single one of the actors was poised and stayed in character even while they interacted with us audience volunteers. Their ability to embody their character made me believe that caterjunes was a real word and that “Life is Pandemonium!” Also, kudos to those actors with limited stage time who engaged with audience members at intermission and kept us focused on the standings of the Bee contestants.

To the editor: While not knowing precisely how to define it, I certainly know it when I see it. Art — true art — creates within us a stirring of emotions. Whether the emotions are positive, negative, or a combination of the two, art without an emotional response is not really art. I want to applaud Ms. Browning and her drama students for bringing art to the stage of The Dalles High School. I witnessed this gift of art while watching the joy expressed by each and every member of the cast as well as the behind-the-scenes tech crew during rehearsals and performances of their spring musical. Joy and laughter and avid motivation? From 'high-schoolers'? Miraculous. Art.