October 15, 2017

Dear Charlottesville,

Here in Topeka, Kansas you've been on our minds a lot lately.

In August and then again this past weekend, we could hardly believe our eyes as we watched the torches of hatred lighting the streets of your hometown. Stunned and saddened, we saw our basic American beliefs about equality and democracy under open attack. We feel it is critical that hatred not go unanswered, so we are sending this message. In it is our love, our best and only answer to hate.

We want to stand arm in arm with you, Charlottesville, to express love, unity, and fraternity with you and with all Americans. Through empathy and understanding, we begin to heal the wounds caused by hatred. And so we the students of Highland Park High School send our most loving well-wishes to you. Like your city, ours has its own complex chapter in the larger story of America's struggle toward fuller and truer freedom for all. Bound together by the past, we look hopefully toward the future.

We love you and stand with you Charlottesville!

Sincerely Yours,

The Students of Highland Park High School