Letters to the Editor | March 13, 2026

I was deeply touched by Meredith Elizalde’s recent op-ed, describing her son’s too-short life as having been defined by his strong conservation ethic and his exemplary stewardship of nature. Her visit to the Philadelphia Flower Show at the Convention Center caused her to consider the nature deficit in our cities as detrimental to the physical and mental health of its citizens, especially our youth — a deficit that her son, Nick, was addressing in his own way. Meredith described the exhibit by the students of the W.B. Saul High School School, where Nick would have graduated this June and its touching homage to Lenni-Lenape. She also noted the “phenomenal” display by the students at the Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet School, describing it as “colorful and intimate.”

I was at the Flower Show on the Thursday before the opening, watching as exhibitors and volunteers worked hard at putting the finishing touches on their works of art, courage, and education. I was lucky enough to speak with the students of Lankenau who were bursting with pride at their exhibit, talking over each other as they described the way in which their installation, “Roots of Our Inheritance,” portrayed the connection between ancestors, seeds, and the land on which everyone depends. Not surprisingly, their effervescent enthusiasm was on display even before they were awarded the prestigious Philadelphia Horticultural Society’s Gold Medal and the Alfred M. Campbell Memorial Trophy.

I am not connected to the Philadelphia School District or their plans to close the Lankenau School and would not have been aware of the connection without Ms. Elizalde’s insightful article. However, having seen the manner in which the Lankenau students embraced and celebrated their heritage, their school, and their connection to nature in an urban setting, I also see that something essential will be lost if their school is closed.

Molly Morrison, West Chester

Why does the U.S. treat our neighbor Cuba so badly?

Cuba has less than 11 million people, with a military of less than 50,000. It has neither the ability nor the desire to harm the United States.

Despite that, we initiated an embargo against Cuba in 1962 that is still in effect. Donald Trump has added sanctions. He has curtailed oil imports from Venezuela and is using tariffs to discourage other countries from supplying fuel to the island. In 2021, he designated Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Cuba has tried to be a good neighbor. It offered hurricane expertise in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina struck. (President George W. Bush turned it down.) U.S. residents can study medicine for free at the Latin American School of Medicine, provided they commit to serve people in medically deficient communities — here and/or abroad.

The ongoing embargo, amplified by Trump’s harsh policies, has caused a rapidly developing humanitarian crisis. Cuba is experiencing severe blackouts and shortages of food and medical supplies. Trash is accumulating because of limited diesel fuel for trucks.

Innocent people pay the price for political maneuverings. Cuba is a neighbor in trouble. Why make things worse? Why not let its people get the food, fuel, and medical supplies they need?

Tom Knoche, Haddon Township

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