GRADS: Honor top achievers

What a disappointment to read in the paper the announcement of graduates from Coeur d’Alene High School and not to see the names of those who were Valedictorian, Salutatorian, as well as Honor students highlighted. I am not sure I understand why recognition for those students who excelled in academics is not given. Recognition is given weekly throughout the school year for athletes with paper write ups, awards, and now we read of athletes who have signed to play at a college in their sports. Other high schools give the recognition to their seniors in the paper and CHS should too.

Having been a parent of two academic athletes years back I remember hearing how the administration did not want to show which students did exceptionally well academically due to making other students feel bad. It looks like that has become true. There are students who have chosen the path of excellence and they deserve recognition for their hard work. Let us remember that school is about getting an education first and that sports are an extracurricular activity. There is entirely too much emphasis put on the athlete over the academic student and that is backwards. We have many gifted students in various forms of education and I for one would like to hear about them.

As a CHS alumnus I feel it is time the administration give these students the limelight they deserve and show who has worked hard to be at the head of their class. Who knows? It might push another student to reach just a bit more to attain a better grade. You just never know.

DIANE TURNER

Hayden