Letter to the Editor: Mr. Grugan

Dear Editor,

Last year I used an edition of the Merionite to pull some data. Of the students who contributed to the Merionite in some fashion (writers, artists, editors, etc.), their academic course load for last year was split into 95% Advanced Placement/Honors classes and 5% College Preparatory classes. The reason I did this was not to prove to myself that the Merionite staff was comprised of highly talented people (I mean, the Merionite benefits from the gifts of Maddie Schaeffer, enough said), but rather to justify as I read each issue why most articles and features focus on the high academic achievers (fill in the name of valedictorian, salutatorian and senior class speaker) and those teachers that work with them (Mr. Kazcmar, Dr. Pratt, Mrs. Christman, etc.).

The data certainly confirmed that.

But wouldn’t it be nice, with a student population of near 1,300 (and growing) if the paper were balanced? What if College Pre- paratory students and their teachers were highlighted with what was happening in their classrooms? Or quotes about graduation or opinions about SATs were gathered from CP representatives? These students and educators are also highly involved in the great service efforts of Build On, the tremendous performances by PLAY-ERS, and either score for or cheer for Aces Nation. I’m not sure what amazing things Lower Merion is known for that don’t involve significantly, and maybe even majorly, students and adults from CP classes.

I asked my three Geometry CP classes last year to write to the Merionite about what they thought would be interesting features, who they knew should receive focus, and what would convince them more to read your paper front to back. The Merionite received over 40 responses to those questions and more. All I ask is that you, this year’s staff, read them, along with this letter, and as a collection of bright, talented minds, decide ... whose voices do we represent from Lower Merion High School community? Whose history are we writing? Can a large segment of students look back on this paper a year from now, 5 years from now, and think, “This describes what I experienced in Lower Merion High School?” Or do I need to be a National Merit Finalist, an APUSH student, or a Notre Dame graduate?

I appreciate the opportunity to write to the editor. Best wishes in the remainder of your year guiding with both wisdom and balance this paper.

Kevin Grugan 2 Algebra 2 Honors Classes 2 Algebra 2 College Preparatory Classes 0 English AP or Honors Classes Lower Merion High School

#opinion