Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I participated in a wonderful program on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Page Middle School. In connection with the Virginia Cooperative Extension, the middle schools in Gloucester and Mathews have their students participate in the Reality Store—a real-life simulation where each student is assigned an occupation and a family status.

Their first task is to pay taxes. Then they secure housing, child care (if necessary), groceries and other needs. As the students go through each decision, they work with a budget and use mathematical applications to ensure they have enough money to support their family.

I was impressed with the problem-solving abilities of these youngsters. They were at ease with the calculators, and some were even doing the math in their heads as they worked with their budget.

From this middle ager to you middle schoolers: Congratulations on getting through the real world during third period. And thank you for the respect you showed the volunteers....