We are a small group of students attending Fifth Street Middle School. We feel that the Bangor School Department policy is unjust toward a proposal made by the Fifth Street student council.

On Nov. 20, 1996, one of the students, Arian Haghkerdar, passed away due to complications from a bone marrow transplant. She was important to everyone at Fifth Street, as well as to the citizens of Maine. She provided an example of hope and courage by fighting until the end of her life.

Now we want to honor Arian’s valorous spirit with a tribute in the form of either a mural or plaque.

Unfortunately, the school board policy does not allow memorials, despite the fact that we agreed to raise the funds for this dedication ourselves.

We wrote this letter in the hope that the Bangor School Department will reconsider its policy and the Fifth Street proposal, noting now that this cause means much to everyone.

Thank you for your open minds on this issue of great importance.

Julie Rozenboom

Brandon Davis

Cara Oleksyk

Emily Smith

Bangor