The following organizations and individuals deserve either
CHEERS or JEERS this week:
The following organizations and individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
CHEERS: For the UNANIMOUS decision by the Gilroy Unifid School District Board of Trustees to deny students who have not passed the high school exit exam the privilege to don cap and gown and graduate with the class of 2006. Whatever the extenuating circumstances – and there are many that would tug at your heart – picking up a diploma at graduation should be earned. It should be more than a show. It should be a ceremonial acknowledgment that a benchmark of knowledge has been attained, not an expression of compassion. Trustees upheld the value of graduation with a decision that may have some backlash as June approaches. But it’s the right decision. It’s not punitive, it’s setting the standard for graduation where it should be. Now, let’s make sure as many students as possible pass that exam.
JEERS: For the news that Alcohol and Beverage Control Agents were assaulted at Happy Dog Pizza Co. Those individuals involved should be punished to the full extent of the law. That type of behavior is bad for business and bad for this community.
CHEERS: For the possibility of a Professional Golfers’ Association tour event coming to South Valley. Putting the logistics and secrecy aside for the moment, the possibility is more than intriguing. Consider that the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am raised $4.6 million for charity this year and generated $68 million in business revenues. Consider that the PGA tour generates more charitable dollars in one year than the National Football League does in two years. Businessman John Fry has built an incredibly challenging golf course in Morgan Hill. As Chamber Director Dan Ehrler said, “We’d certainly be interested in having the details. … it could be very beneficial to the region.”
CHEERS: For the Gilroy Unified School District’s new recognition program. It’s wonderful to hear about dedicated teachers who are doing great and re-defining the profession with results-driven, measurable success. That takes creativity, collaboration and a willingness to improve by seeking out new and proven teaching strategies.
JEERS: For the plea bargain made with two of four teenagers accused of vandalizing Antonio del Buono School. Charges were dropped against two other teens for, presumably, lack of evidence. But planting flowers in front of the school after entering through the roof and vandalizing the place doesn’t seem like justice – it seems more like a walk in the proverbial park. Yeah, we know they’re just really “good kids.”
