Marilyn Monroe was of my generation. Her life was anything but exemplary. She was more known for her excesses than her accomplishments. As a matter of fact, she was a quitter. When she could no longer face the problems of her own creation, she took her own life.

If you want to exhibit a portrait of a beautiful young woman who was also a movie star and then went on to be a credit to her sex, look no further than a certain Mrs. Black, aka, Shirley Temple. Shirley Temple and I were born only weeks apart; Marilyn was a few years older than either of us. Shirley was an outstanding artist in her day.

When she outgrew the roles for which she became famous, she graciously retired to become a mother. Her further accomplishments were in the diplomatic corps serving as ambassador to various countries. She also was known for her charitable efforts, while she was gracefully advanced into her later years.

Shirley Temple Black did not give up; she is still alive and will be 86 years old this April. Durango High School’s female population could not ask for a better role model than my old friend and contemporary, Shirley Temple.

Eric Greene

Durango