In a world where we read about failing schools, failing students, truancy among students, student dropouts, teenage pregnancy, crime among students and inability of the parents to control them, it is so refreshing and reassuring to read a story about a high school senior like Sarah Clancy.

According to the article, she is excelling in everything she attempts, i.e. academics, sports, service to others, etc. She must be quite a gal, and I bow to anyone who makes a score of 31 on their ACT.

I worry that this country will not have the knowledge and desire to compete on the world stage with competent, intelligent students from other countries who will one day be the doers and shakers. It is comforting to know that there are those like Sarah who will fill the void in America.

Public schools are failing, and the school boards are continually asking for more money to throw down the money pit. We are already spending more per student than any other country in the world, and additional money will not solve the problem. The solution, in my opinion, comes from the home environment of the students and the problem is not poverty.

Home environment should encompass parental guidance and leadership, interest in seeing that their children progress, and stressing academics. All of these attributes are free and affordable by everyone. If we could have as many attend the PTA meetings as those who attend the high school games, I think we would see a vast difference in school performance.

Miss Clancy, you go girl! You and your parents have got it going for you. It brightens our day when we read about an achiever like you!

 

Ed Field

Natchez