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A Dying Attribute

I attended what is now known as Academy Street School from kindergarten to my senior year in high school. I graduated in 1958 from Hand High School.

My children also spent all their years in the Madison schools and I now have a grandchild in Hand High School.

I understand that a tradition has recently been changed from a celebration of achievement to an all-inclusive breakfast for all students. A breakfast to recognize the honor and high honor students has been changed to a breakfast for all high school students.

I believe if you ask employers, you will hear that a really good work ethic is a dying attribute of young people. It saddens me to hear that a source of encouraging young people to work hard and give their all, which will benefit them in the future, has fallen to the “giving everyone a trophy” philosophy. The “everyone is entitled” attitude does not prepare for the real life experience of losing sometimes and not expecting reward when you are not willing to earn it.

Jane Lewis

Madison