To the editor:

I was recently shown the following certificate given to Lawrence High School students.

“First Semester Scholastic Awards:

“Congratulations to the following who have earned Kansas State High School Athletic Association recognition by qualifying with a collective GPA between 3.0 and 4.0 during the first semester.

“KSHSAA Distinguished Certificates, 3.25 to 4.0 GPA: A Capella Choir, Concert Choir, Sophomore Boys’ Choir, Sophomore Girls’ Choir, Marching Band, Orchestra, Boys’ Cross Country, Girls’ Cross Country, Girls’ Golf, Girls’ Gymnastics, Girls’ Tennis, Girls’ Volleyball (Varsity/JV), Pom Squad.

“KSHSAA Outstanding Certificates, 3.00 to 3.24 GPA: Cheerleaders, Football (Varsity), Boys’ Soccer, Girls’ Volleyball (Sophomore).

“74% of the 607 students involved in the athletic and music programs during the first semester had a GPA of 3.0 or better. 77 students earned a perfect 4.0.”

On April 1, there was an article about a lawsuit filed against Lawrence High School alleging misconduct by some athletes and students. The above certificate was not printed in the paper because it was not “newsworthy.” Yet the alleged misbehavior made the front page of one of the sections.

There is a saying to the effect that we should “catch our children doing good,” and then give them appropriate recognition. Please, the more we applaud their excellent behavior, perhaps the less they will misbehave.

Kay Rytting,

Lawrence