roman’s blog

Being a current student in high school and knowing many people that are academically oriented and gifted, I would have to disagree with Harris’s statement for some key reasons that I feel strongly about.

Its true, education is what you make of it because people pass and flunk out of the same classes all the time. In this case it’s not simply a matter of recognizing students for academic achievements; it goes a bit deeper than that. It’s a matter of letting students who truly excel academically to be rewarded because that’s their “thing,” that’s what they’re are good at. Just as gifted athletes are rewarded, academic achievers should be rewarded; athletes who work hard get recognized, so why not great academic students? How are they any different?

The students who shine academically are obviously at school to excel. They may not be treating it like a competition, but they know why they are there and any recognition on their behalf might give them hope for the future and could help them be sure that there is absolutely nothing wrong with putting all your energy, focus, and effort into just school. Another reason why I disagree with the statement made by Harris is because I believe a few students would not be motivated enough to do great in school if it weren’t for the recognition factor or what ever else it is that lies at the end of the rainbow. I don’t think everyone should strive to be “valedictorian,” but I certainly think given the opportunity to become one, keeps people on the edge of their seat. What I do agree with is that education shouldn’t be centered around competition. The competition factor only exists because people who look to be the best are in competition for certain recognitions, but this is fairly healthy competition in my opinion. I do believe there should be more ways to honor those students instead just a few, which could keep everyone happy and academic students motivated.