Sep 28, 2013 2 min read

I think it is a shame that Waynesburg Central Elementary School is no longer having their award ceremony following the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) tests.

This was a great way to acknowledge those students who worked hard on their tests and received exceptional results. It also gave an incentive to other students to try harder so they, too, could receive an award the following year.

I am proud to say that my son received a gold medal more than once. He was so proud to receive this honor and display it. He was upset last year when they changed the ceremony to not only include gold, silver, bronze and certificate awards, but to also include a “participation certificate” for all students who took the PSSA tests but did not place in any category. He said it is not fair that everyone gets an award. As a parent, I had to explain to him that in this day and age, to be politically correct, we have to make everyone a winner. So he asked me, “What is the point in trying then?”

Why does the school put so much effort into promoting the PSSA with pep rallies, signs and practice tests if the results will be sent home in a sealed envelope that is not to be discussed at school?

When I was in school, the honor roll was in the newspaper for all to see. We don’t even post that anymore. If you work hard in school and make honors, you should be proud. I’m sorry if it hurts the feelings of those who may not have done as well. Here’s a thought: Try harder, make better grades, try to be exceptional, because in real life, everyone doesn’t win!

Ginny Thompson

Waynesburg