Teens Share Thoughts On Letters
Our Generation’s Nov. 27 stories on high school letters generated about 60 calls to our hotline. About 75 percent of the callers thought any student who worked hard and achieved excellence in his or her activity deserved a letter - whether they were athletes are not.
A bold minority, though, held firm on tradition, saying only athletes deserved the coveted letters. A few callers suggested having separate letters to differentiate the athletes from the academics.
Here are some of the comments:
I think the letters should look different, maybe reverse the colors or use a different script or size.
- Nichole Griffith.
As an athletic trainer, I put in a lot more hours than the football players do.
- anonymous.
Talent should earn letters, not athletics. Grades show excellence; groups like debate work very hard. Anybody who strives hard and achieves any level of excellence in anything in high school should get recognition.
- Brian Zehand, Central Valley.
The world does not revolve around wrestling or, for that matter, athletics. All non athletic people take pride and display their letter proudly.
Athletes do work hard, but so do others. I would like to see an athlete spending long hours researching a debate topic or phrasing their script for a drama production.
It all comes down to one fact: a school letter represents students’ pride in their school and their extracurricular work, regardless of whether or not they are brawns or brains. Both types of activities deserve recognition.
- Michael Gill, Gonzaga Prep.
I earned my letter in the band program at LC and it was the hardest thing I’ve done in my life.
- anonymous.
I know for a fact that the band members work harder than anybody else. We’re practicing every day of the school year, not just for one season. It has nothing to do with self esteem; it has to do with how much work you put in.
- Anonymous
Other kids don’t deserve letters. Only athletes put out what they need to earn letters.
-Anonymous
And the last word goes to Sheri Heileson from Central Valley. She’s earned it:
I’ve participated in cheerleading, band, track, drama and gymnastics. By the end of the year, I will have earned seven varsity letters.
I have put more time and effort into marching band, as drum major, than I ever have into a sport. I am extremely proud of what I’ve accomplished in music.
But my cheerleading and gymnastics letters were not handed to me on a silver platter. It takes more physical effort to do gymnastics than any other activity I’ve been involved in. I’ve sacrificed my time and body to compete, and I have the bruises and scars to prove it.
I have achieved excellence in fine arts and athletics, and I don’t give one letter more prestige than another.