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GHS students weigh in
on debate
By Bob Robinson
“Do adults want to know what needs to be done? Go to the high schools.
Talk to the kids. Experience it!”
“They seemed more concerned about what’s happening now… they need to
look at the kids in high school. They are the ones who will be leading
in the future.”
Two Greenville High School seniors, Angela Borgerding and Prital Mehta
– both GHS Key Club officers – attended the Mayoral debate last week
between Mayor Mike Bowers and challenger, Greenville City Councilman
Doug Schmidt, Tuesday. The students were guests of Greenville Kiwanis.
It is not unusual that today’s leaders may not have the same
perspective as tomorrow’s leaders, and the difference was apparent from
two of tomorrow’s leaders.
“They are the adults,” the girls said. “They need to be looking at how
to inspire us, as well as by example…”
They noted the increase in teen pregnancy, dropouts and drug use among
high school students. Issues not addressed by either candidate.
The girls were especially concerned about teen pregnancy.
“Yes, these kids need to be supported, but they also need to understand
the consequences of their actions… what it does to their college plans,
what happens when the boy decides it isn’t his problem, the child’s
future.
“It’s almost as if the pregnancy is a result of wanting more attention,
attention they know they will get if they’re pregnant.”
They noted the dropout rate… indicating they were aware of 20 kids who
dropped out this year.
“They’re 18, they can do it legally, but do they know what that means?
We need to find a way to help them… a way to encourage them to make
better decisions.”
Both students noted the need for a new school. The mayoral candidates
addressed the need as an economic one. The girls had a different
perspective.
“Community support. Sure, we go to another school and see this great
facility and there’s some jealousy involved, but more than that, we see
a community that supports their kids.”
They noted the Versailles community, indicating the support in
Greenville is not the same. Everyone does not seem to be “together” in
supporting the youth like they are there.
Mehta said it seems everyone thinks everything is fine, education is so
good…
“Well it is,” she said. “It is good, but is anyone comparing what
happens here with what happens there? How is it different? How can we
do better?”
Want to know what needs to be done? Borgerding asked.
“Experience it. Go to the high school… talk to the students. It may be
tough, but you have to find the common ground… push, or gently move
them… support them.”
“Find out their situation,” Mehta added. “What’s their home environment
like? Is there a reason they can’t concentrate?”
Both students acknowledged that these concerns weren’t the sole
responsibility of the adults… there has to be a balance. They agreed
that, as in all areas, there are those who achieve and those who
struggle.
“Students have to help themselves, too,” they said.
An interested bystander to this discussion was Greenville Schools Board
Member Joe Payne. His thoughts? He said the board should hear this.
The author’s thoughts? The community should hear this, too.
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