Editor's note:
The following letter has been written by a young man who is issuing a public apology for spray painting two local schools. The young man has already apologized to the schools, but realizes he affected not only the schools and himself, but the community as well.
Calista Spencer, co-ordinator for the Alternative Measures Program in Estevan, has verified the authenticity of the letter and its author since the terms of the Young Offenders' Act do not allow for his name to appear in public.
Since the young man wanted to take the opportunity to issue a public apology, The Mercury has agreed to let the letter appear without the usual requirement of a signature at the bottom.
Spencer noted in her remarks that "he truly regrets his actions and has learned a lesson."
To the People of Estevan:
I am sorry.
At around 11 p.m. on the night of April 1, I was arrested alongside five of my friends for spray painting St. Mary's and Spruce Ridge Schools.
In hindsight, I regret that night almost every single day. Dealing with the daily thought of managing restitution money and vehicle repair ... I am constantly thinking about how much money it was and I'm always making sure I would have enough to pay it.
I always regret (actions) that night, but however much I regret them, it doesn't change them. Therefore, I took some wisdom away from it. I learned that every action has consequences. In my case I spray painted two schools. The consequence is $670 of restitution payments, a now lifted curfew, removal of privileges ... a punishment to fit the crime from my father, as well as this letter to the people of Estevan who I have harmed indirectly.
By spray painting the schools, my friends and I exposed young kids to idiotic filth.
How would parents have reacted when their kid(s) asked them about what they had seen? Add that to my guilt as well.
One regret that wracks my mind is what I would say if a parent confronted me about it. I could honestly say I'm still baffled about what had come over me that possessed me to do such an idiot thing.
I can honestly say, if I could turn back time, the only thing I would change with my actions, I would've walked that night, but because I can't turn back time, I'll settle with strengthening my resolve to never do anything like it again.
Sincerely,
Anonymous
