The Hypocrisy of the Voting Age During the 2006 primary election in Minnesota, 17-year-old Jesse Hunter voted for his first time. Unlike many of his peers, the teenager got an early beginning to fulfilling his civic duties as a citizen. However, he was soon charged with voter fraud – a class one felony in his…
On Thursday, the members of the School Leadership Team at Reynolds High School debated electronic devices and cell phone usage policy. Despite the efforts of of the student council president and I, the committee voted to ban all cell phone usage during class changes, effective next year. We were able to convince them to allow cell phones during…
Dear A.C. Reynolds High School Administration: Some members of the School Leadership Team have recently announced their desire to ban the use of electronic devices by students during school hours. Some members believe that students should still be able to use these devices during their lunch period, while others are completely opposed to any changes. …
Personal Email Accounts – BCS Meeting – April 5, 2007 It has come to the attention of the School Leadership Team at Reynolds High School, of which I am a member, that the county’s Technology Department has been directed to ban all personal email account usage for the next school year. The ban would affect…
Dear North Carolina Legislator: As your constituent, I encourage you to support HB853/S874. HB853/S874 is the bill that would prohibit the use of corporal punishment in public schools across the state. North Carolina is one of 21 states that still allows school districts to use corporal punishment. There are many alternatives to spanking a student,…
It was a year ago this month when I first started my project to add a student adviser onto the Buncombe County Board of Education. Although the board did not listen to all of the supporters, here are just a few of the positive things that came out of my project: Media exposure for the…
I am disappointed to say that Richard Greene, the subject of one of my blog entries a few days ago, was appointed chair of the Buncombe County Board of Education last Thursday. In June, he said he would do research over the summer about the idea, and he even told me, “I do not understand…
Many counselors will tell you, “Become involved in as many extracurricular activities as you can. Colleges love to see that.” On the other hand, some will tell you to focus your time and energy on just one or two clubs because it shows commitment. Extracurricular activities, such as clubs, provide a great way to enhance…
Many of you will recall the experiences I have had with Richard Greene, the Reynolds Representative on the Buncombe County Board of Education, back in June and August when I was working to add a student adviser onto the school board. In June, he said he would do research over the summer about the idea,…
The 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution sets the federal voting age at 18 years old.  Before this Amendment was enacted, the voting age in most places was 21 years of age. The voting age should again be lowered; this time, to 16 years of age. According to a recent study, 80% of 16-…
