THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 12, 1995 TAG: 9507110012
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
Regarding ``Valedictorian cuts class at graduation'' (news, June 17): I am a rising senior at Lake Taylor High School. I was utterly disgusted by the article. An ignorant person who never gave Lake Taylor a chance stole a very honorable and memorable moment from a senior who worked extremely hard for second place in the graduating class.
I play two varsity sports a year and also swim for the Old Dominion Aquatic Club year-round. My sisters play three and four varsity sports respectively. Teachers expect twice as much from athletes. If the aforementioned valedictorian had ever gotten off his high horse and participated in anything at Lake Taylor, he would know this.
As far as the stereotypes about fights and homecoming, that involved students from other schools. Those of us who are proud of Lake Taylor and are working hard for our future don't need or want someone like him to represent our school.
I believe that the faculty at Lake Taylor is one of the best in the city. The teachers make the classes challenging yet enjoyable. Currently in the rising senior class, the top 10 students are all at or above a 3.5 grade-point average. And most of them are involved in varsity sports as well as many clubs and organizations. That is not the best or the worst in the city, but it is a school we can be very proud of.
Members of the rising senior class are extremely competitive and are working hard to take their place in the future and in history.
KELLEY HARKINS
Norfolk, June 1995 by CNB