Letter to the Editor by Ron Deady of Post Falls
Mr. Gunkel was my Chemistry teacher in high school. A special assembly of teachers had to meet to decide who should graduate. Mr. Gunkel (or Uncle Gunkel) along with Miss Sexauer (no joke) and Mr. Gladstone (called Happy Rocks) had to decide the fate of us clowns, the “give a damns,” and those they wanted to get rid of.
They decided to let me walk (aka graduate)—THE worst thing that could have happened to me!
I did not yet know about tenacity, hard work, or confidence in my future. I thought I could rely on a swimming future. Of course, I failed my classes that first college quarter, went onto academic probation, and either “matured” or “sent packing.”
Millions each year are crippled by this “non-gift.” At the very moment when lethargy and indifference becomes ingrained by the “non-gift,” we are handed something we aren’t owed. Therefore, countless citizens never achieve their life’s milestones. Charter, home, and private schools are now taking over since America’s Public Education System opts to promote and graduates everybody—regardless of readiness.
This reality has undermined America and our reputation on the world stage.
