The Blue Rose author speaks to students

KENMORE, N.Y. (WIVB) - Some 700 local students learned a valuable lesson about tolerance and acceptance on Monday.

Students watched the stage play "The Blue Rose" at Mount St. Mary Academy in Kenmore. The play tells the story of Jenny, a child with developmental disabilities. But there was something very special about this performance.

The author of "The Blue Rose," Gerda Weissman Klein, was there to talk to students afterward. Klein is a Holocaust survivor and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She delivered a clear message about how we should treat others.

"The kids must understand that if someone is different in looks or manner or color or in religion or what have you....That we have a lot to learn from someone else, that in many ways we are the same. In some ways we have something to contribute that other people cannot do," Klein said.

"The Blue Rose" will be presented again Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. at Mount St. Mary Academy. It is open to the public. Tickets are $5 at the door.