Successful youth

Dear Editor,

Now that I'm in my golden years, my heart skips a beat whenever I hear about a young person's success.

Recently, I learned about what is taking place in the life of David Archuleta, who has become a superstar since 2007. At age 16, he was a contestant on American Idol.

In January 2010, he and his mother, Lupe, went to her native Honduras and Guatemala. They went there with Mentors International. This organization helps provide loans and training to help families with home-based businesses, so they can overcome poverty. On Oct. 8, 2010, David gave a free concert at the Salt Lake Marriott to raise funds from donors to Mentors International.

At the Salt Lake City Conference Center, Archuleta, now 19, will sing during the Christmas season with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra. A capacity crowd is expected on Dec. 16, 17 and 18. The facility holds 21,000 people.

I have enjoyed listening to the Tabernacle Choir all my life and I have hopes that my relatives in the Salt Lake City area will send me a DVD of it. The choir director, Mack Wilberg, has said that he is delighted to have a performer of such international acclaim add his talents to the choir and orchestra's Christmas performances.

I am pleased with the success of this younger singer and songwriter and wish him the best.

Helen Ruth Arnold,

Trenton