To the editor:
I must confess that this year will be my first time ever voting for contestants on the “American Idol” television show. In fact, I will be voting for one contestant in particular. Her name is Angie Miller, a North Shore native and resident of Beverly. In thinking about Angie Miller, I cannot help but think about the year that the town of Beverly has had overall. A year that includes a historic season and Super Bowl win for the football team, the second in the last three years. It is a year that includes other strong-performing academic and sports programs along with an “American Idol” contestant. I can’t help but think like Buffalo Springfield that, “There’s something happening here.”
When I look around to this small town called Beverly, Mass., I have to ask myself, could this be America’s Town? You can look on the bottom of any license plate and see Massachusetts touted as the Spirit of America. I think we can all agree that over the past few years or longer as a nation, we have had to question that spirit. With the seeming disappearance of the American Dream, we have a small town right here saying loudly and quite clearly that we still believe. Our actions show not only do we believe, but we are willing to put in the hard work, dedication and perseverance necessary to reach for those dreams, so much so that a young lady can reach for the stars and take her shot on “American Idol.”
Don’t get me wrong, Beverly is not perfect; we do not always win, and we have a lot of internal issues to deal with. Despite these issues, I can honestly say that we work as a community to support each other, do our best and win, lose or draw with dignity and respect. Yes, there are other great towns. In fact, I think we are surrounded by great and historic towns here on the North Shore, but I live in Beverly, Mass. I see and have experienced firsthand the character and heart of this community. Far from perfect, we do our best to stand together and support each other. This town is not afraid to roll up its sleeves.
Beverly has a fighting spirit tempered with integrity and character as evidenced in many of its athletic teams. I think if nothing else, our nation can use more of the good things that Beverly has to offer. I believe that the Spirit of America is alive and well here in Massachusetts, and perhaps the small towns like Beverly represent the heartbeat of that spirit.
Keep believing, and please remember to vote for Angie Miller!
Dominic Copeland
Beverly
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