To Whom It May concern and to Highland High School Friends and supporters:

I attended a parent meeting at Highland High School on Monday night, called at less than 24 hours notice to discuss the arrest of the Principal, Ace Trujillo. I have known Ace for 6 years. My sympathies go to the Trujillo family. The years of service resulting in achievements Ace helped to make possible at the Highland cluster schools Wilson Middle and Highland should not be forgotten or demeaned because of these recent accusations.

The strength of the parents comments voiced at Monday's meeting were admirable. Highland is a great school; it is not a ' ghetto school' as is sometimes portrayed in the media. The students respect one another and their community. The teachers are caring and competent. Through their instruction and the values of the Highland parents, Highland has produced exceptional students and accolades in areas such as band (first in competition), academics (4th in nation in We The People, National Merit, 6-way tie for Valedictorian), sports, and extracurricular activities. Highland will endure and continue to produce great students and young adults from cultures around the world, as it continues to attract students who tried other APS high schools and now embrace the Highland atmosphere and traditions.

Ace was well-liked by the students and parents. I am concerned about the continuity of Highland and its programs, and suggest that no more new programs or new people be introduced at this time when the students need stability. There are four fine assistant principals at Highland who understand the academics put in place there and can follow through , along with the teachers, on what has been started. In particular, Dr. Roberta Murata is a strong, visionary leader with excellent credentials, and she is well-liked by the staff and student body.

The comments expressed Monday by certain audio and video media about the 'Hi' in Highland are sensational, should be retracted, and an apology issued to the student body. If the media are looking for sensational stories, let them make note of the academic accomplishments of the most culturally diverse school the city of Albuquerque has to offer.

Vera E. Watson, member of Parent Faculty, HIC Committees, Booster Clubs, Parent, Highland community member