Friday, Jun. 13, 2008

June 13

GHS Valedictorian

Editor’s Note: The next two letters should be read in tandem. The first generated a response to the writer from GCISD’s superintendent; the second is his update.

Dear Editor:

What makes this story all the more upsetting is the inability of any official to sound comfortable with the result.

Terse references to "four years of high school" by a spokesperson are simply embarrassing, as are similar statements from Hollingsworth in the Dallas News. In fact, quotes from Grapevine’s principal only suggest he’s hiding behind an attorney. Who put that risk-averse group in charge?

In our Courier, outgoing board President Charlie Warner’s statement boiled down to "Leave me out of this!" No voice of moral authority there.

At best, officials would have us believe they were constrained by a flawed policy.

I hope this decision gets overturned by someone with conviction and common-sense.

— Steve Mong, Colleyville

P.S.: This mess doesn’t exactly put the "other" valedictorian in a good position, either. I trust that Tyler deserves something better than the glaring spotlight he’s received.

***

In response to my first letter, I received a call late on a Friday evening from GCISD Superintendent Kay Waggoner.

Dr. Waggoner deserves respect for this personal effort. I believe her when she emphasizes complexities in this case that demanded consideration.

None of this is to say that everything can be explained away by mitigating factors. Personally, I’m resigned to this particular incident being water under the bridge, and now just hope the GCISD can revise current policy ... at least to the extent that its rationale is clearly documented to guide future leaders, no matter how many nuances have to be listed.

"Fair" is inherently subjective and questionable. If we lack an articulate explanation of what fair is, then it’s probably not.

— Steve Mong, Colleyville

Dear Editor:

My family and I have been residents of Colleyville since 1992 and were always proud of the exemplary schools we’ve had. We pay tens of thousands of dollars in property taxes, which of course contribute to the salary of employees such as Jerry Hollingsworth who is the principal of Grapevine High School.

I am appalled of what happened with Anjali Datta. Here is a bright student who did all she could to be the valedictorian of an extremely competitive school. I am not sure what the laws are, or on what basis they could take the decision to take her right away from her, but today I feel ashamed to have supported this school district, not only with my taxes but also with my "word of mouth." I am sure the GCISD lawyer has covered all legal bases so they will probably get away with this decision. But it isn’t fair. Anjali will move on to accomplish great things in life despite people like Hollingsworth. I have never met Anjali or her family but I could not be more proud of this young lady. If this was one of my children, I would not have "moved on" so easily.

— Kiran Dhir, Colleyville

Grapevine City Council Election

Dear Editor:

I support Chris Coy for Grapevine City Council for the following reasons:

He is faithful and involved with his wife.

He is faithful and involved with his family.

He is faithful and involved with his church.

He is faithful and involved with his community.

I have known Chris Coy for 12 years. I personally have observed him in action. His experience, his service and his leadership involving the city of Grapevine are unsurpassed. He has a level of commitment and integrity that is essential for the ongoing success of Grapevine.

Please vote for Chris Coy for City Council.

— Beverly Goff, Grapevine