By Rebecca Talley
For graduation ceremonies each year at our high school those students who earn a 4.0, or higher, GPA wear white robes. This distinguishes them from the rest of the student body and recognizes their hard work, sacrifice, and dedication over the last four years.
Our new principal wants to abolish the practice of wearing white robes at graduation because she doesn't want to make the other students feel bad. She doesn't want to make any distinction between those students who are graduating with a 1.5 and those who have earned a 5.0 (this can be accomplished when students take college level courses during high school).
What is wrong with recognizing students who have worked so hard to achieve such a goal? It doesn't diminish the efforts of the other students because not everyone excels in the same thing. Some are athletic enough to play on the varsity team, others do well in theater and are cast in the plays, and others are leaders that serve in student government. Isn't it wonderful that we all have different strengths?
We should celebrate each others talents and gifts. We should encourage excellence and hard work. We should find joy when someone accomplishes a goal.
Heavenly Father has not only blessed us with different talents, he's also blessed us with the ability to improve those talents. It's up to us whether or not we do so.
Here's to recognizing all the white-robed moments of our lives!
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5 comments:
I honestly don't think the other kids would even feel bad. That's probably all in his head. Or, maybe it's the parents of the other kids that feel bad. I don't think it's the kids.
I hope you can get the principal to rethink the idea of taking away the white robes. There's too much worry about making different achievers feel bad if differences are pointed out. Well Duh! These high-ranking kids worked hard, and should be recognized!
I think it's too bad that kids who achieve academically are not recognized when those who are very athletic are. There are all sorts of awards and scholarships given out at school for the best athlete of the year, but few for academic excellence. Sad.
Please try to convince the principal that positive reinforcement is a fabulous way to encourage others to follow such good examples.
Mary
Amen to what everyone here said! I can't believe that principal actually felt that way! Get a clue. That's one of the things that's wrong with our world today--people are too worried about trying to make everyone the same or not wanting someone to be "offended" or "feel bad" because they weren't as good. Well, it's their own fault if they weren't as good, and there should be accountability. And those who did so well should be recognized and rewarded for it! :-)
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