Dear FRONTLINE,

Sorry. All I could see were parents, school, teachers and administrators as enablers of Chris's failure in everything. I spent the entire two hours waiting for something, anything, that was a step toward self-respect or responsibility. Sure, there were long term consequences, something that adolescents are not mature enough to appreciate. But where were the immediate consequences for not showing up at school, not turning in assignments, not keeping promises made to his classmates?

Where are the consequences for parents who keep their kid out of school? Chris's detached social-worker jargon makes every failure someone else's responsibility and is accepted and smiled at by professionally trained people who should know better. Give Chris a break all you adults in his life, including the folks who keep signing off on his being "disabled." Show some spine so maybe he'll be able to get some himself. If the family needs welfare, then so be it. But don't keep Chris sick so you can survive on his SSI!

For me this is a documentary contrasting two kids, both struggling to grow up in the same community. Cody is being lifted up by a tough grandma and determined minister, but in spite of his tragic history finds ways to connect with reality. I hope Chris latches on to someone who can help him, but the trailer for the 2nd episode doesn't hold much hope.

bert anderson
ashland, or

Dear FRONTLINE,

watched the first installment last night (1/09/06), missed the first 15 mins. but was riveted to the rest of the program. looking forward to the next two installments.

as a secretary in foster care and child protective services for almost 20 years, cody's and chris' stories are so familiar in upstate, rural new york as well. we too are appalachia but northern. we too are isolated with a high poverty rate. i have also been a foster parent so have witnessed the gut-wrenching decisions the children try to make.

chris and cody are so articulate - i would like to know their personal reactions after they viewed the film. did seeing and hearing themselves have an impact on their own future decisions or actions? did they comprehend the connections between what they were saying and what they were actually following through on?

my heart aches for both of them and i wish them the best of luck for the future. i hope they can keep focused on their goals and see the choices that are really available to them.

louise hebbard
franklin, n.y.

Dear FRONTLINE,

The Cody-Chris story is in every community. My experience in a high school alternative program has been the blessing of my career. These kids have character and incredible resilience and just need an adult to listen, care, and nudge.

It's so easy to make a difference. All you have to do is pay attention and be amazed at what teenagers can teach adults about life!

Ed Luginbuhl
Tipp City, Ohio

Dear FRONTLINE,

My thanks to PBS and to Frontline for giving this story the time it deserves. What a wonderful job Mr. Sutherland did in capturing the essence of Chris and Cody.

However, I think the most credit should go to Chris and Cody themselves. They exposed their lives to public viewing. They allowed the camera to reveal their private lives. This is something I think most anyone would have a very difficult time doing. Yes, they have not been met with a lot of success and prosperity but their actions speak to the integrity and intricacies of each of them.

I look forward to Part 2 and the Conclusion.

Jason Cram
Madison, WI

Dear FRONTLINE,

What mostly struck me when I first watched the show Country Boys I thought I went through and am still going through some similar things they have been through every teen struggles to just pass high school and move on and never go back to the place or wherever they went to high school cuz most teens including myself have been struggling to conform in some way so they don't fell like freaks and outcasts I really dont care if im different Im proud.

Erin Akins
Stockton, California

Dear FRONTLINE,

I found myself drawn to Chris and Cody's story from a teacher's perspective. "Country Boys" is a haunting reminder of the tremendous responsibilities of educators. I saw so much potential in these young men. The David School must be a blessing to the teens as well as their parents or caregivers.

Chris's failure to complete the make up work or the newsletter is not an isolated occurrence. Educators see that happen so often. Yet, I found myself trying to devise scenarios in which his teachers might have helped this young man. I do believe that Cody's belief in God was his life raft. Children do need something to cling to -a hope, a prayer, a teacher, something. Thank you for Country Boys. It truly stirred this teacher's soul.

Bonnie Reese
Lewisburg, TN

Dear FRONTLINE,

This story is both moving and inspirational. Many people don't realize how good they have it. We take advantage of everything in our lives; our relationships with our parents, our education, our jobs, etc. Sometimes it takes seeing circumstances like those of Chirs and Cody to put things in perspective.

I pray that these two young men make everything they want of themselves. I can't wait for the next two installments.

John Szabo
Portage, Indiana

Dear FRONTLINE,

Kudos to Frontline for giving the filmaker so much time to tell this important story about real Americans. I am always appalled on those rare occasions when I watch the network news broadcasts and they present what they call "in depth" coverage, which amounts to nothing more than two to three minutes of soundbites about a complex topic that illuminate absolutely nothing about the topic.

This documentary should be required watching for every high school student in America. Thanks also to Chris and Cody who have let them have a glimpse at their lives. I will be riveted to the screen again tonight.

Carrie Schadle
Houston, Texas

Dear FRONTLINE,

INSPIRATIONAL! Thank you PBS. The human will to survive, despite obstacles and misery! It has inspired me, to see these brave young men. What a glimpse into another part of the country and another world.

Nancy Mehegan
Montclair, NJ

Dear FRONTLINE,

Dear Frontline, Chris, Cody and the teachers, staff, students and families of the David School:

Thank you for letting me into your world and for your honest and courageous efforts to tell me your collective stories.

Long ago and far away, I worked in West Virginia (not far from where your story takes place) with one of 'those organizations'that were described in the opening segment.

As is typical of such experiences, I do not know how much I gave to the people of Mingo County but I found my experience there to be transformative in that it changed my life and did a lot to shape my career choices and view of the world.

Watching this program last night and following the story of the miners in West Virginia, I was reminded of how much the Mountians taught me when I was young and and full of piss and vinegar.

As an educator who has spent a fair share of her career working with kids who were deemed 'a handful' by the larger community, I want to commend the teachers, staff and families of the David School for the work they do. As a colleague I salute you.

I am in awe of the work you do. I learned a great deal by watching the Principal, the Director and the teachers of the school both support Chris in his desire to be successful while at the same time be responsive to his needs and challenges.

I am now an old fart and am working with the next generation of teachers. I plan to show them specific segments of the film in order to see excellent models of how to teach so that others can learn.

I find that once again, I must thank the communities of West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky for teaching me some new lessons and providing me with some needed fresh energy in a time period when children and schools are not really valued.

Ann Barysh
Sudbury., Ma.

Dear FRONTLINE,

My husband and I, like many, came across this show by mistake but were compelled to watch the entire show.

We were both shocked at how these two young boys lived and realized how very fortunate we both are. You never think you have enough or has much as someone else but then you watch something like this and you realize just how lucky we really are.

Jackie Rapp

Dear FRONTLINE,

Riveting . . . . I could not take my eyes off Chris, Cody, their classmates, teachers and famlies . . . not to mention the dogs, the pig and up in the holler, the mud. Exquisite land despite the coal gashes and railroad tracks leading to the outside. What comes through is the love from the David School teachers and at home. It is possible to stay and make it where you grew up -- don't be so quick to run away 'to Michigan' or 'the other side of the Ohio River' -- it just might be a mistake. "Take it and make it more" -- you have a home in those mountains and valleys. -- a journalist who remembers her first assignment and the fear that went along with it. Never give up -- keep your eyes open and mind clear.

Barbara Carder
Hilton, NY

Dear FRONTLINE,

I watched Country Boys last night and it was like traveling back in time to when I lived in Belle Vernon, PA. I'm amazed at how similar the circumstances of Chris and Cody are to those of the people I went to high school with fifteen years ago.

I remember the ninth grade and the five girls in my class who were already having their first child and how they felt they would never get out of rural Pennsylvania. That they were destined to marry a boy they had known all their lives. The hopelessness is almost tangable. I often wonder about those people, where they are, did they get out and make good lives for themselves? It makes me want to do something to help the kids in that same position now.

Melanie W.
Springville, NY

Dear FRONTLINE,

I got home from work around midnight and could not sleep. I was flipping through the channels and found this program. I could not turn it off. I was hypnotized by the story of these two men and their families, especially Chris. Their stories so accuratly depicted how we are all trying to find our way. I saw far more similarities than differences and my life couldn't look more different from theirs. All my preconcieved notions were thrown out the window and I was surprised how much of myself I saw in both of them. I feel like I have a personal stake in their future. This was an amazing program and I wish only the best for these two bright, intelligent and loving men. Also, kudos to the school and the principal does an amazing job. THe world would be a much better place with people like her in it. Thank you for this inspiring program.

Michael Olson
Naples, Florida

Dear FRONTLINE,

WOW! Great Story! Very Moving! I hope Things work out for these guys! I myself can relate to their struggle i grew up in foster care, Jail and insitutions up here in Canada no one cared about me!

But through hard work and determination you can make soemthing out of your life! just don't give up! Things will happen!!! best of luck to these guys!

Rennie L
Edmonton, CANADA