Thank you for running the article, “Great escape: Avant Rose from gang life to man of Christ,” on Dec. 26. As a sports fan it is wholesomely refreshing to see positive articles on the lives of prominent athletes.

Granted it may be newsworthy when well-known athletes are involved in degrading behavior, such as DUI offenses, spousal abuse and drug use, but these incidents obscure the numerous athletes who are good citizens, good family men and women and who contribute much to the life of their communities.

In the case of Avant, the article highlighted how his Christian faith has enabled him to rise above a culture that was demeaning and destructive. Bless his grandmother for her faith and determination that persevered in his life.

As a long-time subscriber to the Johnson City Press, I would like to thank you for giving our area a quality newspaper that covers well both the life of the community, as well as national and international news, and has a very good sports section.

C.R. WETZEL

Johnson City