May 22, 2009
Our Readers
At graduation: A father’s reflection on school selection
To the editor:
“Respect for your teachers, respect for your fellow students and respect for yourself” are the words I remember most from the orientation program when my daughter started her high school years at Memorial High School.
My wife and I were both born and raised in Evansville but, unlike the vast majority of the parents of our daughter’s classmates, we did not attend Memorial High School. Notwithstanding my local upbringing and my lifelong east side Evansville residency. I had not stepped one foot onto the Memorial High School campus until that orientation evening. While I enjoyed and thrived at my local public high school and I wanted my daughter to walk the same halls that were a positive part of my life, I also recognized that all things change — even my high school. At that moment I was more than just tentative.
At the same orientation program the dress code was reviewed and the general disciplinary minimal tolerance policies were explained. I, like my wife, was trying to grasp these strict but practical rules. My daughter, for the first time I could recall, knew that getting dressed for school in the morning would no longer be a matter open for negotiation.
After her enrollment I went to the annual parent orientation night when you get to meet the teachers and follow her class schedule. I heard the curriculum for each class and met some of the parents of her classmates. The teachers and administers of Memorial High School are the epitome of educators. They are dedicated, sincere, concerned, practical, passionate and insightful.
I attended home soccer, football and basketball games (and even a few away games). The feeling of family and tradition was obvious and contagious. Before long I felt as welcome and comfortable as any parent regardless of the location of my personal high school.
When considering high school for my daughter, my desire for a high academic quality, wholesome and well-rounded education was turning to despair. But, Memorial High School has provided me with renewed faith and appreciation for what was available. The experiences of my daughter were comparable (if not superior) to the educational experiences I received more than 30 years ago.
Memorial High School represents that the art of education and motivating students in a manner I believed was lost, does exist and, in fact, for many families, continues as a tradition. The many multi-generational families should fully recognize and appreciate the blessing and good fortune of their heritage and this educational institution.
This May my daughter will graduate from Memorial High School. I know now, as a parent, that my wife and I made one of the best decisions of our daughter’s life by sending her there.
Thank you Memorial High School for your continued pursuit of an educational system that focuses on the most important goals of education-preparing our children to be good citizens who have respect for their teachers (and parents), respect for their fellow classmates (and other citizens) and respect for themselves. You certainly earned my respect.
- Marc D. Fine | Evansville