Letter to the Editor / WHY NOT RECOGNIZE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE ?

By Roger C. Kostmayer

The Key West Citizen paper, in their Keys School Life page, gives students a voice by printing their thoughts, concerns and opinions.  The December 10, 2019 edition had three opinion pieces written by three KW High School students.

One issue discussed by two of the students was the trend toward eliminating the more than 200 year American tradition of recognizing academic excellence – such as honoring valedictorians and salutatorians.  The concerns, apparently, are about too much pressure on students, and the impact on activities other than academics. The Monroe County School Board is reported to be questioning the value of academic recognition.

I was impressed by the clarity, balance and thoughtfulness of author Sadie Dodds.  She persuaded me that the benefits of maintaining our tradition of rewarding hard work and excellence far outweigh the undocumented fears of a direct connection between honoring deserving students and mental health issues.

Why not have more recognition, and more incentives, for more deserving students?

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