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…
According to this article in the Washington Post, Maryland supports vaccinating middle school age girls with a drug to significantly fight cervical cancer. I think it is great. Trouble is, the opposition. Look at this paragraph: Attempts to make vaccination mandatory have been criticized by groups concerned about encouraging promiscuity or infringing on parents’ authority…
NYRA’s Orange County chapter recently attended a meeting of the California Democratic Party’s resolutions committee. NYRA-OC members introduced two resolutions at the meeting – one recognizing the human rights of all people regardless of age, and another calling for an end to compulsory school attendance laws. The committee rejected the resolution regarding compulsory attendance, and…
Before November 2006, only rising high school seniors and rising college freshmen could run for a state officer position with North Carolina HOSA. In October, NYRA Vice President Adam King provided compelling reasons for why rising juniors should be allowed to run for office. (The election is in March, and the term doesn’t start until…
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…
Originally sent October 31, 2006 As an outside group unfamiliar with Gallaudet University and the deaf community it is inappropriate for us to comment on what does or does not make a good president of the university. Those most qualified to decide what makes a good president are members of Gallaudet itself, its administration, its…
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…
I thought I would share a satirical column written by Parker Heck, a staff writer for Reynolds High (Asheville) School’s newspaper, “Cedar Cliff Notes.” Reprinted with permission from the writer. Hats off to school discipline Parker Heck Cedar Cliff Notes Uneasiness. Apprehension. The queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach when you know that…
The US House of Representatives recently passed the so-called Student Teacher Safety Act of 2006 (HR 5295). The Student Teacher Safety Act requires all schools receiving federal funding to adopt authoritarian policies. It would essentially require most school districts to allow teachers and other school officials to search any student at any time for any…
Homecoming, schoolwide reunions, fundraising events, et al… I think it is quite obvious that many high school student councils are only concerned with trivial and low-prioirty events going on in the school. The class presidents are generally the most popular and athletic students of the school. The student body wouldn’t dare elect a student who…
