Point of pride
Concerning the naming of the high school in Grand Terrace, I believe the board has not realized the full weight of their decision to name the school after a former board member rather than the community it is to serve.
Some may ask why the issue is of such importance and why people care one way or the other. The answer is simple: The school not only serves the community but also represents said community in both academic and athletic settings.
I am a resident of Grand Terrace and have lived here most of my life. I graduated from Colton High and was proud to represent Colton not only as a student but also as an athlete. Although I lived in Grand Terrace I felt a part of the Colton community by playing for and representing my school.
As a teacher and the head boy's soccer coach at Bloomington High School, I again feel a part of a community in which I do not live. Every time my boys put on the BHS uniform I make sure to remind them they represent not only themselves and their team, but also the entire school and the community of Bloomington. When we have success on the field it brings attention to the entire community, not just our team.
I am proud to have the chance to represent Bloomington every time I lead my players in competition. I do not see why the school board would want to deny such a feeling and sense of pride to the community of Grand Terrace and especially to her children.
With all due respect to the Abril family, I cannot plausibly see how students are going to take pride in representing a school named after a board member.
But, if the board truly wants to serve the entire district, they will reconsider their decision and allow the children of this new school to represent their community, and will enable them to deepen their pride in themselves, thus strengthening the district as a whole.
MARC HOWARD
Grand Terrace
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1 comment:
That was a great letter
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