After teaching for 40 years (30 of them in Westbrook), I have reached the conclusion that the vast majority of students in schools are good people. They behave responsibly most of the time and work hard to try to do the right thing all of the time.

Westbrook students certainly fit that description. Do students mess up? Yes. It would be nice if society, in general, had 100 percent of its members behave responsibly 100 percent of the time. Unfortunately, we’re human beings!

The spotlight that has been focused on the students of Westbrook lately bothers me, primarily because it highlights a minority of students making poor decisions, school policies that are not perfect and a community that needs to address an issue that has plagued all communities since I attended Westbrook schools in the 1950s and ’60s.

Don’t get me wrong, I agree that this focus gives all involved a wonderful “teachable moment.” However, it shouldn’t define the students, staff or citizens of Westbrook.

I applaud the Westbrook High School students who are trying to focus on changing the perception of Westbrook students (“Westbrook High students fight ‘party’ image,” May 1).

Maybe it’s high time a weekly section of the Press Herald be created that would focus on the fine young people of Westbrook and other local communities. You already have sections about organic living, food and dining, and upcoming events.

Student reporters could submit articles to be printed. This section would give a public forum to these young people so they can showcase the fine things they and their schools are doing to try to make their community a better place.

Bad news makes wonderful press. Why can’t good news?

Steven Pomelow

Gorham

 

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