Crush Liberalism

CO government school bans honors graduation robes

The wussification of our children continues.  From Durango, CO:

When Kyra Rogers was younger, she dreamed of being one of those students who had earned a 4.0 GPA – and the right to wear a white robe in the front row at Durango High School’s graduation.

“It was motivational for me when I saw it,” she said of the robes.

Rogers, part of the class of 2008, earned perfect grades and looked forward to the honor. Then she heard that Principal Diane Lashinsky planned to end the tradition.

“We had the rug pulled out from under us,” said Jessica Branson, another member of the Class of 2008 with perfect grades.

Students who earned at least a 4.0 GPA will be recognized by cords, and mentioned in the program at the May 24 graduation ceremony. But this year, the 4.0 students will wear red robes along with all their classmates.

Lashinsky’s decision has generated some controversy at the high school. More than half of the approximately 23 students who earned a perfect GPA have written letters of protest to Lashinsky, students said.

“We’ve been expecting to wear white robes and working toward that for so long,” Branson said.

The students said wearing the white robes instead of red robes was a unique distinction.

“It’s a special honor to get to wear the white robes,” said Mackenzie Kitson, another graduating student with perfect grades.

Lashinsky was traveling and could not be reached for comment Wednesday. But she explained her decision in a recent newsletter.

“Every graduate has met the graduation requirements, and every child is special on graduation day,” Lashinsky wrote. “I feel the white gowns worn by some graduates diminish the accomplishment and hard work of other graduates by relative comparison.” (So what?  Self-esteem is earned, Lashinsky…not given.  Besides, I submit that the red gowns that the honors graduates wear diminishes THEIR accomplishments, which are, whether you want to admit it or not, more notable than those of their classmates! – Ed.)

Lashinsky added that while she was “very proud of the students who earn the highest level of academic achievement possible … part of my role as a principal of Durango High School is to support the growth and accomplishment of every student who walks through our doors.” (Helluva job in proving that, moron! – Ed.)

For the students, the decision to make all graduates wear red was only the latest move by the high school to reduce recognition of high-achieving learners.

The school refuses to release their class rank, sometimes leading to confusion when students apply for college or scholarships. Durango High also has not named a valedictorian for several years.

“They’re taking away the last bit of recognition we do have,” said Emily Horvath, another student with perfect grades. “It kind of seems like the only way to stand out at school is to do something bad.”

The white robes have been worn by 4.0 students the last three years.

“It’s not a long-standing tradition,” said Assistant Principal Mike Freeburn.

Some students may earn a greater-than-4.0 GPA by taking Advanced Placement courses. In previous years, any graduating student with a 4.0 or greater GPA wore white robes.

Freeburn expressed sympathy for the students.

“I know they’re disappointed, and that’s tough,” he said.

One of the students, Branson, plans to attend Colorado State University, where she will apply for the honors program. At CSU graduation, Branson said, honors students wear gold robes, while their classmates wear robes of green.

Got that?  “That’s tough.”  “Little Johnny, did you earn a 4.0?  Were you hoping to wear the distinct color to commemorate your achievement?  Well, sucks for you, pal.”  Nice.

April 17, 2008 - Posted by crushliberalism | public education