AS a certified teacher and life-long learner, let me say this: Never let school get in the way of your education.

And I am glad to see that you haven't. You are a perfect example of a person who takes what he can from the system and adds what he needs, and that makes you a very wise young man.

Quite frankly, not wearing a kilt is a small thing--you'll get to wear one plenty later on--so don't fret the foolishness of your overseers. A saari or daishiki would probably be OK'ed, but the fact is , a kilt isn't.

Oh, yawn. Blow it off, and keep on keeping on. We love your spunk and desire to know and be. Esse, quam videri.

Congratulations, my young friend. I am proud to know you.