15 Editorial Practice PDF

Editorial Writing
Invitational A Meet • 2015
Leaguetown High School has 2,700 students enrolled in grades 9-12. At

the end of this year, Hal Dunker, the driver’s education teacher, will retire after
teaching the course for 32 years. Dunker also taught three physical education
classes. Principal Linda Beltran is considering eliminating the driver’s educa-
tion class from the course schedule for next year. Instead, Principal Beltran
You are a reporter would like to hire a French teacher so the school could offer French classes.
for the Leaguetown Currently, the school only offers Spanish and Latin language classes.
The Texas Department of Public Safety requires teens between the ages of
Press, the stu-
14 and 17 to complete 32 hours of driver education instruction and 44 hours
dent newspaper of of driver training in order to apply for a driver’s permit. This can be done
Leaguetown High through a course like the one offered at the high school, a private driving train-
School. From the ing school, or it can be completed through an approved Texas parent-taught
given information, driver education program. Several companies offer online courses to assist
write an editorial parents in teaching their children driver’s education.
Even though parents can teach their own teens driver’s education, enroll-
as you would for the
ment in the school-taught course has not decreased. This semester all three
high school newspa- driver’s education classes are full — 15 students in each class, and more than 15
per. Remember that students are on a waiting list.
as an editorial writer, Several parents and students have voiced their concerns about eliminating
you should support the driver’s education class, while many teachers support the change. Principal
Beltran will hold a meeting to hear opinions at 7 p.m. next Thursday, Jan 30,
or oppose policy or
in the school cafeteria. The next issue of the Press will be distributed Monday,
action; you should Jan. 27.
not sermonize.
Those supporting the elimination of driver’s education
You have Leaguetown is the only 6A school in Central Texas that offers only two lan-
guages. Southside High School, which is only 15 miles away, offers four differ-
45 minutes. ent language classes. Most colleges require two years of a foreign language, and
our students have very little choice.
Do not write your
Those opposing the elimination of driver’s education
name or the name of
Parent-taught driver education programs can cost upwards of $100. Parents
your school on this don’t have to enroll their teens in an online program, but if they don’t, the
sheet or your entry. parents must spend 32 hours giving classroom instruction to their teens. Many
Put your number on parents don’t have the time or the money to do this.
your paper.
2015 Invitational A meet editorial• Page 2
■ linda beltRan, principal
“We need to expand our foreign language options for students and, quite frankly, it’s no longer the
school’s responsibility to teach driver’s education. Almost every college requires two years of a foreign lan-
guage, and our students need more of a choice.
“Last year, my husband and I taught our daughter Traci driver’s education, and it wasn’t that difficult.
The Department of Public Safety has material to help parents teach the course. After the 32 hours of
instruction, it’s quite easy to get 44 hours of driving. We just kept a log in both cars and let Traci drive us
most places. She completed her driving hours in about six weeks.”
■ Lily levario, freshman

“I planned on taking driver’s education at the school next fall. My mom is a single mom and doesn’t
have time to teach me driver’s ed. Plus, she’s a nervous driver. I totally don’t want her teaching me how to
drive. I can just imagine her freaking out the entire time.”
■ george ridges, freshman

“Sure, I would like to take driver’s education here at school, but I would rather take French. I am fluent
in Spanish, and I don’t want to take Latin. I want to major in international business in college and being
able to speak three languages would give me an edge over other students. The bottom line is, we can learn
to drive at home or online. It’s a lot harder to learn French that way. We need a real teacher for that.”
■ hal dunker, driver’s education teacher

“Over the past three decades I have taught thousands of teens how to drive. I take that charge very seri-
ously, and I spend a lot of time teaching safety and responsibility. As a result, many of my former students
have returned to tell me about how the skills they learned in my class helped them avoid accidents. Sure,
parents can teach the course, but they don’t have the depth of knowledge or the time to do the course
justice, and the online programs are a joke. Students don’t learn anything from them. Driving can be one
of the most dangerous things a teen ever does. We need to make sure they are well-prepared and ready. A
school driver’s education program does that.”
■ james briano, Spanish teacher

“Our department would love to offer another language. This school is too large to offer only two lan-
guages — one of them being a dead language. We have more than 1,000 students enrolled in Spanish, and
I bet about a quarter of them would prefer to take a different language. Plus, we have so many native Span-
ish speakers. We need to offer those students something other than Spanish or Latin.”
2015 invitational A meet • KEY Page 1
DO NOT PASS OUT TO STUDENTS BEFORE OR DURING THE CONTEST
Editorial Writing/Invitational A • 2015
Contest Tips and Sample Editorials
Contest Director: Give one copy to each judge to use during critique/judging. Also, staple one
copy of the contest and one copy of the contest tips to each student’s returned entry. The
purpose of the tips is to provide immediate feedback to students. However, it is not meant to
replace written comments from the judge.
1. Lead with a statement of the situation and then take a clear, definite staff stance. The situation
is whether to eliminate the driver’s education course and offer French instead. Do you support this
or not?
2. As a general rule, use third person. If you must use a pronoun, use first person plural (we, mean-
ing “we, the newspaper staff”). Do not use first person singular (I, me, mine) or second person (you).
Avoid unnecessary use of pronouns. Rather than “We believe the principal should...,” write instead,
“The principal should.”
3. Don’t waddle into the editorial. Get right to the point and, as a general rule, don’t ask a lot of ques-
tions. An editorial should answer questions, not ask them. Above all, remember that your purpose is to
make thoughtful, logical arguments in support of your position, not to engage in a tirade. The editorial
should not be long — 450 words at the most. Although it’s not recommended all the time, sometimes
a writer could use a feature opening to grab the reader’s attention and get them into the story.
4. Look for the future angle. Your paper comes out before the opinion meeting.
5. Once you’ve stated your position/stance, the body of the story should support your stance and
refute the opposition.

6. After the body of your editorial, complete the editorial with a specific solution.
7. Avoid direct quotes unless the quote adds substantially to the editorial. You can pull information
from these quotes, as has been done here, but it’s not necessary to attribute that information unless
the person has a lot of credibility toward the story itself.
8. Watch for factual errors. Pay attention to minor details. Also, stay focused.
9. Don’t clutter up the editorial with cliches or trite phrases such as “the principal is mean” or any
variation thereof. Also, edit out the name of the school unless it is necessary for clarity. It isn’t neces-
sary to say “Leaguetown Independent School District” or “Leaguetown High School.” Students know
the name of the school. They don’t need to be reminded.
2015 invitational A meet editorial• KEY Page 2
SAMPLE EDITORIAL/SUPPORTING
After the retirement of driver’s education teacher Hal Dunker, Principal Linda Beltran is considering
eliminating the driver’s education course at the school and offering a French language class instead.
Beltran will hold a meeting to hear opinions at 7 p.m this Thursday in the school cafeteria.
Driver’s education can be taught at home. Foreign language is not so simple. The principal should
offer the French class and drop the driver’s education course.
Leaguetown is the only 6A school in Central Texas that offers only two languages — Spanish and
Latin. Southside High School, which is only 15 miles away, offers four languages to their students.
Leaguetown students are at a disadvantage with only two language course options. In today’s world,
foreign language skills are imperative; students need to be prepared to compete in the global market.
Most colleges require two years of a foreign language. Of the two foreign language courses offered,
one of them is Latin which is a dead language and the other Spanish, which is good except many
students are already native Spanish speakers. Students need more choice. Adding French would be
a step in the right direction for preparing students for college.
Driver’s education can be taught at home. Teaching French is not so easy. Families can choose from
online driver’s education courses to parent-taught courses. It is no longer the school’s responsibility
to teach driver’s education. The school’s responsibility is to prepare young adults for the future. And
quite frankly, colleges do not care if students can drive or not.
Many parents attest they do not have the time nor the money to teach their children driver’s edu-
cation. However, 32 of the hours required are driver instruction, which the student can basically learn
and read themselves. The Department of Public Safety also provides material to help parents teach
the course.
Driver’s education is important, but it is not the school’s focal responsibility. The principal’s priority
should be to offer French to prepare students for their next step in life.
2015 invitational A MEET editorial• Key Page 3
SAMPLE EDITORIAL/OPPOSING
After the retirement of driver’s education teacher Hal Dunker, Principal Linda Beltran is considering
eliminating the driver’s education course at the school and offering a French language class instead.
Beltran will hold a meeting to hear opinions at 7 p.m this Thursday in the school cafeteria.
The driver’s education program should be continued. Not all students and their parents have re-
sources available to complete a driver’s education program at home.
Parent-taught driver education programs can cost upwards of $100. Some families simply do not
have the money to afford this. At the school, the driver’s education course is free to students, and the
school course focuses on safety and the responsibility of driving a vehicle.
Some parents do not have the time required to teach the course. Most parents work, and a par-
ent-taught driver education program includes up to 32 hours of instruction and 44 hours of driving.
Time-crunched parents may rush through the program which could result in unprepared teen drivers.
Even though parents have been allowed to teach their own teen driver’s education for several years,
enrollment in the school-taught course has not decreased. This semester, all three driver’s education
classes are full, with even more students on the waiting list. For this reason alone, the school should
offer the course.
Supporters of the principal’s proposal say the school needs to offer more foreign languages. These
courses may be offered but not at the expense of driver’s education. The principal needs to review the
budget and look somewhere else for the money to fund that course.
Driving is one of the most dangerous things a teenager does. Students should be trained properly,
and the school’s driver’s education program does that. The principal needs to put student safety as
her priority and continue offering the course.
Editorial Writing
Invitational B Meet • 2015
Leaguetown High School has 1,000 students enrolled in grades 9-12. Last
month, junior Billy Ferguson was suspended for three days for wearing his
confederate belt buckle to school. It was the second time Ferguson wore it to
school. One week prior to his suspension, Ferguson wore the belt buckle for
the first time and was called into the principal’s office. Principal Laurie Cas-
You are a reporter tillo told Ferguson that the belt buckle violated school dress code because it
for the Leaguetown offended several teachers and students. Castillo directed Ferguson not to wear
it again at school. Castillo cited the last portion of the dress code that says,
Press, the stu-
“dress and grooming must not disrupt the teaching/learning process.” This is
dent newspaper of the last sentence of the code. All other portions of the dress code are specific
Leaguetown High and detailed. For example, “shorts must be no more than two inches from the
School. From the knee,” and “shirt straps must be at least one inch wide.”
given information, In January, Ferguson’s 90-year-old grandfather died and left the belt buckle
write an editorial to his grandson. Ferguson said he was wearing the accessory to remember his
grandfather.
After the suspension, Will and Lola Ferguson, Billy’s parents, requested the
high school newspa- school board publicly expunge the suspension from their son’s school record.
per. Remember that The school board will address the Fergusons’ request at the next board
as an editorial writer, meeting Thursday, Feb. 19. The next issue of the Press will be distributed Mon-
you should support day, Feb. 16.
or oppose policy or Those supporting the fergusons
action; you should Billy Ferguson was trying to honor his grandfather, not cause a commotion
not sermonize. at the school. In fact, he didn’t cause a commotion. A few people were offend-
ed. That is not a disruption. Plus, a dress code should be specific and detailed.
You have Those opposing the fergusons
45 minutes. A school can not imagine every possible dress code violation. Administra-
tors need a phrase that will allow them to use their judgement to determine
Do not write your dress code violations. The phrase is somewhat vague, but Principal Castillo
made her interpretation clear before she disciplined Billy Ferguson.
name or the name of
your school on this
sheet or your entry.
Put your number on
your paper.
2015 Invitational B meet editorial• Page 2
■ laurie castillo, principal

“I admit that sentence is a bit vague, but we need the ability to make judgement calls. We can’t put
everything in the dress code. For example, two years ago I had a male student wear a skirt to school. Ap-
parently, his friend dared him to do it. This caused a disruption in the class, and we asked the student
to change. We try to be as specific as possible, but we can’t predict everything. Also, I do not discipline a
student for a first-time offense if the dress code violation is based on that portion of the dress code. I ask
them to change or not wear the offending item again to school. I try to be as clear as possible.”
■ billy ferguson, junior

“This belt buckle was my grandfather’s pride and joy. He polished it every week, and it is an honor
that he chose me to have the buckle. My grandfather was a good man. He had his own construction busi-
ness for 30 years. His company built half of the buildings in downtown. He also served on the city council
and mentored hundreds of students. And he did it all with that belt buckle on.”
■ Lola ferguson, Billy’s mother

“Ms. Castillo called and explained that several teachers and students said they were offended by my
father’s belt buckle. She basically told me that because someone else was offended by what my son was
wearing, he has to give up his right and freedom to express himself. I don’t get it. What if Billy is offended
by the cheerleader outfits? Does that mean they must stop wearing those? The dress code should be simple,
specific and straight forward. The school district should eliminate that vague part of the dress code that
says “dress and grooming are not such as to disrupt the teaching/learning process.’ It is too vague.”
■ giovanni leone, senior

“I complained to Ms. Castillo about Billy’s belt buckle. It’s offensive to me and several of my friends. In
fact, we asked Billy to take it off during our math class, but he just laughed and said we were too sensitive.
It represents racism and prejudice to us. Believe me, I am all for freedom of speech, but to have someone
come to school with that flag on them — I’m not really sure what the intent was. I don’t buy that he’s try-
ing to honor his grandfather. I am certain he can find ways to do that in a less offensive way.”
■ heidi renner, Spanish teacher

“I understand that Billy was honored that his grandfather gave him the belt buckle. He should be. But
he doesn’t have to put it on display here at school. That flag is the symbol for hate. While Billy doesn’t
see that, others do. We try so hard to create an atmosphere where students feels safe and eager to come to
school. The buckle disrupts that atmosphere.”
2015 invitational B meet • KEY Page 1
Editorial Writing/Invitational B • 2015
Contest Tips and Sample Editorials
is whether or not Billy’s suspension should be expunged. Do you support this or not?
2. As a general rule, use third person. If you must use a pronoun, use first person plural (we, mean-
Avoid unnecessary use of pronouns. Rather than “We believe the board should...,” write instead, “The
board should.”
a writer could use a feature opening to grab the reader’s attention and get them into the story.
4. Look for the future angle. Your paper comes out before the board has their meeting.
refute the opposition.

6. After the body of your editorial, complete the editorial with a specific solution.
8. Watch for factual errors. Pay attention to minor details. Also, stay focused.
9. Don’t clutter up the editorial with cliches or trite phrases such as “the principal is mean” or any
2015 invitational B meet editorial• KEY Page 2
After being warned by Principal Laurie Castillo not to wear his confederate belt buckle to school, last
month junior Billy Ferguson was suspended three days for wearing it again. Billy’s parents requested
the school board publicly expunge the suspension from Billy’s school record. The board will address
the Fergusons’ request at their meeting Thursday.
Principal Castillo made her interpretation clear before she disciplined Billy. The board should reject
the Fergusons’ request.
Principal Castillo gave Billy a fair warning that was clear to both parties. The principal directed him
not to wear the accessory again. The suspension should not come as a surprise. Regardless of what
the belt bucket represents to Billy, he violated a directive from the administration. He must face the
consequences.
Perhaps the last sentence of the dress code is less specific than other parts, but a school can
not imagine every possible dress code violation. Adminstrators need a phrase that will allow them to
use their judgement to determine dress code violation. Plus, the principal explained that she never
disciplines students the first time they violate this portion of the dress code.
It is admirable that Billy wants to honor his grandfather by wearing the buckle, but it doesn’t have
to be done at school. He has plenty of other opportunities and places for him to wear the buckle. The
educational atmosphere is one where students should feel safe and secure. The confederate buckle
disrupts that atmosphere because it is offensive to many students and teachers.
Billy’s belt buckle disrupted the teaching and learning process — it’s as simple as that. The board
should vote to deny the Fergusons’ request and focus its time and energy on more important tasks.
2015 invitational B MEET editorial• Key Page 3
After being warned by Principal Laurie Castillo not to wear his confederate belt buckle to school, last
month junior Billy Ferguson was suspended three days for wearing it again. Billy’s parents requested
the school board publicly expunge the suspension from Billy’s school record. The board will address
the Fergusons’ request at their meeting Thursday. Billy was only trying to honor his grandfather, not
cause a commotion; the board should grant the Fergusons’ request.
The board should admit the mistake, clear Billy’s record and change the dress code to eliminate
the vagueness.
Billy should not be punished for wearing an accessory that honored his late grandfather — a pillar
in this community. His grandfather’s construction business built half of downtown, and he served on
the city council — all while wearing the belt buckle. And let’s remember — the buckle does not display
any vulgar language or pictures. It is simply a symbol.
And the dress code doesn’t specifically address his belt bucket. The principal cited a vague sen-
tence of the dress code that leaves too much to interpretation. The dress code should be simple and
straight forward so as not to cause confusion.
Principal Castillo said Billy’s belt buckle disrupted the school. A few people upset is not a disruption.
No fights broke out. No one walked out of class. No one missed learning that day because of the belt
buckle. It just rubbed a few people the wrong way, and the principal decided that political correctness
was more important than a grandson remembering his grandfather.
The administration says that Billy’s punishment should stand because he violated a directive.
It’s true. He did. But that directive was driven by political correctness and not by what is best for the
student. Billy questioned that when he wore the belt buckle a second time. Isn’t that what students
should be doing in school — thinking critically and questioning the world around them?
Billy’s defiance should be praised. He took a stand and made a noble choice to honor his grand-
father. Schools shouldn’t be in the business to be politically correct at the expense of their students.
The board should expunge the suspension from Billy’s record and review the entire dress code to make
sure individual freedom is not lost by trying to appease everyone.
Editorial Writing
District 1 Meet • 2015
Leaguetown High School, located in Texas, has 2,800 students enrolled in

grades 9-12. Last year at prom more than 25 female students were turned away due
to their attire. Several parents and students complained after the prom that dress
expectations were unclear. Principal Terrance Dace agreed that the administration
did not adequately inform the students last year and promised to release a more
You are a reporter definite dress code this year. Last week, the administration released the dress
for the Leaguetown code for prom and posted a presentation on the district website that shows inap-
propriate clothing for female and male students. The presentation has 24 slides
Press, the stu-
of inappropriate dresses for female students and four slides for male students.
dent newspaper of Upon seeing the dress code, several senior girls complained that the code was
Leaguetown High too restrictive and conservative. They also complained that the male students have
School. From the hardly any restrictions. The Parent-Teacher Association endorsed the dress code
given information, before the administration released it to the student body.
write an editorial Dress Code for Female Students:
1. Dresses may not be more than 2 inches above the knee, both in the front and the
back. This length also applies to slits in dresses.
high school newspa- 2. Dresses may not be extremely low--cut in the front or back. In the front, the dress may
per. Remember that not fall below the bra line and in the back, the dress must not fall below the waist.
as an editorial writer 3. Dresses may not be extremely tight or form-fitting.
you should support 4. Dresses may not show midriffs.
5. Dresses may not be see-through.
or oppose policy or
6. Jeans are not allowed.
action; you should
not sermonize. Dress Code for Male Students:
1. Male students may not wear torn clothing.
You have 2. Jeans and hats are not allowed.
45 minutes. 3. Male students must be clean-shaven.
Prom is set for Saturday, April 25, at the Leaguetown Convention Center.
Do not write your You are writing for the issue of the Press to be distributed Monday, March 30.
name or the name of
your school on this THOSE SUPPORTING THE DRESS CODE
sheet or your entry. The dress code is clear and easy to understand. The administration even pro-
vided photos so students could see examples of inappropriate dress. The admin-
Put your number istration also shared the dress code with the PTA before releasing it to students.
NOT YOUR NAME
on your paper. THOSE OPPOSING THE DRESS CODE
Currently, the prom dress code eliminates more than half of the formal dresses
sold in stores. It is too conservative and restrictive. It also limits female students
much more than male students.
2015 DISTRICT 1 EDITORIAL • PAGE 2
■ TERRANCE DACE, principal

“A host of people — administrators, teachers and parents — gave input for this dress code. I didn’t sit
behind closed doors and just create this document. Many people had input, and many people endorsed it
before we released it to students. The faculty and the PTA approve of it. I knew we would get backlash from
some of our students. I expected it. But our prom is a school function, and we expect our students to dress
and act appropriately.”
■ JACKIE SERRATO, president of PTA

“This dress code is fair and easy to understand. The online presentation was a brilliant idea. Students can
see in full color what is inappropriate for prom. That said, my senior daughter is not thrilled with the dress
code. She is right when she says shopping will be harder, but I am willing to put in more time so that she finds
a dress that covers her body. If everyone stopped buying those skimpy prom dresses, then the companies would
stop making them. They only make them because there is a market for them. Let’s eliminate that market.”
■ JOCELYN FLORES, senior

“The dress code is biased. Boys only have to follow three rules. We have twice that many. I went to the
mall yesterday, and I found exactly two dresses that fit the dress code. Two. And one of them was out of my
price range. Half of the senior girls are going to have to wear the same dress because we have such little choice.
This dress code is ruining prom for us. I am not sure I even want to go.”
■ MASON MCBEAN, senior

“The girls do have more rules, but that’s because there are so many different types of dresses out there for
them. For guys, it’s pretty limited. I am upset about the hat policy. My grandfather bought me a new Stetson
hat for prom. I was going to wear it with a Western-style tuxedo. It was going to be epic.”
■ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Tickets go on sale Monday, April 6, and are $30 for individuals and $50 for couples.
District 1• 2015
Editorial Writing Contest Tips and Sample Editorials
is about a new prom dress code. Do you support it or not?
2. As a general rule, use third person. If you must use a pronoun, use first person plural (“we,” meaning
“we, the newspaper staff”). Do not use first person singular (I, me, mine) or second person (you). Avoid
unnecessary use of pronouns. Rather than “We believe the administration should...,” write instead,
“The administration should.”
a writer could use a feature opening to grab the reader’s attention and get him or her into the story.
4. Look for the future angle. Your paper comes out before the code becomes permanent.
refute your opposition.

6. After the body of your editorial, complete it with a specific solution.
8. Watch for factual errors. Pay attention to minor details. Stay focused.
9. Don’t clutter up the editorial with cliches or trite phrases such as “the dress code is stupid” or any
After receiving complaints that last year’s prom dress expectations were unclear, the administration
recently released the new dress code for prom and posted a presentation that shows inappropriate
clothing for female and male students. The presentation has 24 slides of inappropriate dresses for
girls and four slides for boys. With prom less than a month away, senior girls complain that the dress
code is “too restrictive.”
They are correct. The prom dress code is too restrictive.
Fashion trends dictate what department stores sell. With the current restrictions put on female
student dress, students are having a hard time finding formal dresses that fit the criteria. In fact, the
third restriction that dresses cannot be form-fitting pretty much knocks out most prom dresses on the
market. That means either the students will have to go to more expensive stores that will make costly
dress adjustments, or half the senior girls will be dressed the same at prom. Neither option is palatable.
In fact, the dress code is so restrictive that students break it every week at the school. Every Friday
the cheerleaders wear their uniforms which are more than two inches above the knee. The dance
team also wears its tight-fitting, spandex outfits at pep rallies and athletic events. The administration
should not hold prom to a higher standard than the school hallways.
And the senior girls are not the only ones who are right about the dress code. Restricting hats for
boys is unnecessary and unjustified. The whole purpose of the dress code was to ensure that stu-
dents were dressed appropriately. A top hat or a cowboy hat does not make an outfit racy or too sexy.
It appears as if the administration just wanted to have some type of restrictions for male students so
they picked hats.
The faculty and PTA argue that many, including themselves, gave input for the new dress code.
However, the PTA and the faculty are not the ones who will be shopping and wearing prom formal
wear. The administration should have solicited student input and researched how difficult it would be
to find dresses that fit the standards.
The new prom dress code should be amended immediately. The administration needs to look at
the argument from all angles and drop some of the restrictions to make it palatable to everyone.
After receiving complaints that last year’s prom dress expectations were unclear, the administration
recently released the new dress code for prom and posted a presentation making it easy for seniors
and parents to understand what is appropriate clothing for female and male students. But senior girls
complain that the dress code is “too restrictive.”
They are wrong. The dress code is clear and easy to understand and should not be changed.
The new prom dress code was released with ample time for students to prepare, and the rules
are precise and straightforward. Unlike last year, students now know what is appropriate and what is
not. The administration even posted photos so there would be no confusion as to what can be worn
and what can’t.
Prom is a school function, and school rules apply. The school does not allow students to dress
in skimpy, half-dresses to school, and no one complains. A similar dress code for school functions
shouldn’t shock anyone. Students are exaggerating when they say that this dress code is ruining
their prom. Finding a dress may take more time, but students have weeks to find a dress that fits the
requirements.
The administration shared the dress code with the PTA before releasing it to students. Parents of
current students approved the dress code before it was made official. Input from various organiza-
tions and faculty were taken into account — it is not as if one person maliciously designed the rules
for the dress code.
Those opposing the dress code argue the code is biased because boys have fewer rules than the girls.
However, boys have fewer options of attire than girls. Fewer options means fewer potential violations.
The dress code for prom should not change. With any new policy, some are going to complain. The
administration needs to do what is right for the students and, in this case, it’s the dress code.
Editorial Writing
District 2 Meet • 2015

grades 9-12. Cheerleader tryouts are set for Friday, May 15. The team will con-
sist of 12 varsity cheerleaders and 10 junior varsity cheerleaders. To qualify for
tryouts, a candidate must maintain a 2.5 grade point average, have no in-school
or out-of-school suspensions and provide two teacher recommendations. In the
You are a reporter past, all qualified candidates tried out during a student assembly. Then, students
for the Leaguetown would return to class and vote. Cheerleaders were elected for one school year.
This year, cheerleader sponsor Tiffanie Cantrell proposed that candidates
Press, the stu-
tryout in front of three judges, who would select both teams. Students would not
dent newspaper of vote. The judges would be Cantrell, former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Morgan
Leaguetown High Murphy and local choreographer Fritz Campbell. For the tryouts, all candidates
School. From the would perform an individual cheer and two-minute dance, along with participat-
given information, ing together in one large group cheer. Candidates would be judged on projection,
write an editorial presentation, tumbling, motions and dance.
Several parents and students have complained about the proposal to Princi-
pal Reginald Crosby. Crosby said he will make a decision by Friday, April 17, so
high school newspa- candidates will have time to apply and prepare. You are writing for the issue of
per. Remember that the Press to be distributed Monday, April 13.
as an editorial writer
you should support THOSE SUPPORTING THE PROPOSAL
Cheerleader tryouts have turned into a popularity contest. It is no longer
or oppose policy or about skill and ability. The varsity team participates in a national competition
action; you should each year. The team deserves to have the most skilled members rather than merely
not sermonize. the most popular.
THOSE OPPOSING THE PROPOSAL

You have If the cheerleader sponsor wants to change cheerleader tryouts, then she
45 minutes. should seek input from the cheerleaders, the booster club and the students. She
did none of this. Cheerleaders are the spirit leaders of the school, and the student
Do not write your body should have a say in who their leaders are.
name or the name of ■ REGINALD CROSBY, principal
your school on this “Ms. Cantrell brought me the proposal two weeks ago. She definitely did her
sheet or your entry. research. Apparently, only about 15 percent of Texas schools hold tryouts like we
Put your number do. Most schools have a skill component that is judged by an outside party or a
NOT YOUR NAME qualified adult. I understand why Ms. Cantrell wants the change, but I am not
sure this is the best time to do it.”
on your paper.
■ TIFFANIE CANTRELL, cheerleader sponsor

“When I came to Leaguetown two years ago and discovered that cheerleaders were elected through popular
vote, I was flabbergasted. Cheerleading is a sport. It’s a competition. The football coaches would never allow
the student body to pick the starting quarterback. Why should I? Last year at the national competition, our
team didn’t even make the finals. That is unacceptable. We have many talented students who do not make
the squad simply because they are not uber popular. This must change.”
■ BETHANY RAMIREZ, junior and current varsity cheerleader

“Coach Cantrell is right. Unfortunately, we had several girls on the team this year who could barely jump
and could not tumble. It’s tough to create an award-winning performance with those issues. We want to bring
home the national trophy just as badly as the football team wants to win state.”
■ GENNIFER DEETS, sophomore and current varsity cheerleader

“Sure, it’s great when all of the cheerleaders have elite skills, but it’s more important that they all have
energy, enthusiasm and great school spirit. We only compete in one competition. Our main job is to cheer
at athletic events and keep the teams and crowds pumped up. Honestly, you don’t need to be able to do a
back handspring for that. We need spirit leaders, and that is exactly who the students pick. Plus, trying out
in front of three people is nothing like performing at a football game or pep rally. This new tryout system
could be disastrous.”
■ PENELOPE ORANGE, parent of a freshman who plans to try out

“Ms. Cantrell wants to handpick her entire squad. That is why she is trying to change tryouts. Everyone
knows she has favorites. She didn’t ask for any input because she knows every parent would oppose it. My
oldest daughter, who graduated last year, was a cheerleader for four years. She was a great leader for the school.
Yes, she was popular, but cheerleaders need to be liked. Their purpose is to get people excited and pumped
about the school. That’s hard to do when no one knows you.”
Southside High School changed its cheerleading tryout procedure last year. Candidates now must pass a
skills assessment with the cheerleading coach before trying out for the student body.
District 2• 2015
is about a new cheerleader tryout program. Do you support it or not?
2. As a general rule, use third person. If you must use a pronoun, use first person plural (“we,” mean-
Avoid unnecessary use of pronouns. Rather than “We believe the principal should...,” write instead,
“The principal should.”
4. Look for the future angle. Your paper comes out before the program becomes permanent.

9. Don’t clutter up the editorial with cliches or trite phrases such as “the program is stupid” or any
With cheerleader tryouts just around the corner, sponsor Tiffanie Cantrell has proposed a new
tryout structure in which candidates would perform for three judges who would make all selections.
Student would no longer have a vote. Several parents and students oppose the proposal, and Principal
Reginald Crosby will make a decision by this Friday.
Crosby should reject the proposal.
Cheerleaders are the spirit leaders of the school, and the student body should have a say in who
its leaders are. Students should have input because cheerleaders are the ones who pump students
up during school events. Students know who would be good motivators, who has the energy to move
a crowd. A judging panel of three does not.
If the sponsor wanted to change tryouts, she should have sought input from the booster club, the
student body, the PTA and the cheerleaders themselves. And she should have done that months ago.
The proposal she is trying to pass doesn’t only affect her. Other opinions should have been gathered.
Plus, the new tryout system would not be focused on what cheerleading is truly about — spirit. The
best cheerleaders are often those who don’t have the best jumps or the best tumbling techniques but
the ones who have the most spirit. The new proposal doesn’t give room for this important aspect. It is
focused solely on skills. While these are important, it is not what the term “cheerleader” embodies.
Cantrell argues that because of the current system cheerleaders lack the elite skills needed to be
competitive in national meets. However, the national competition comes around once a year, and it
shouldn’t be the focus of the squad. The focus should be on increasing school spirit.
If Cantrell wants a new election system, then she could combine the two. A judging panel could
represent 25 percent of the total points, and the student body could have the other 75 percent. The
student vote should remain dominant.
If Cantrell doesn’t compromise, Principal Crosby should add his two-bits and just say no.
With cheerleader tryouts just around the corner, sponsor Tiffanie Cantrell has proposed a new
more effective tryout structure in which candidates would perform for three judges who would make all
selections. Student would no longer have a vote. Several parents and students oppose the proposal,
and Principal Reginald Crosby will hand down a decision by this Friday.
Crosby should accept the proposal.
Cheerleading tryouts have turned into a popularity contest. Students simply vote for their friends
or the most popular girls. They aren’t looking at the skills cheerleaders need. Non-biased adult judges
can do that. This proposal is the perfect solution.
Only about 15 percent of Texas schools hold tryouts solely based on student body vote. That’s
a small percentage, and it is a small percentage for a reason. Most schools have a skill component
judged by an outside party or a qualified adult at the school. Part of a cheerleader’s duty is pumping
up the crowd and having spirit, but another large part is to have those important skills, such as jumps
and tumbling.
At the national cheerleading competition last year, the squad didn’t even make it to the finals
because many girls lacked the physical skill set to rise above the other squads. Cheerleading is a
sport, a competition. The national competition for cheerleaders is like the football championship. It
is important — something the team strives for all year. With the tryouts being based on student vote
alone, it is hard to get those skill sets needed. The football coach would never allow the student body
to select his team. Cheerleading should be no different.
Opponents of the proposal say cheerleaders need to be more than “spirit leaders” which means
“popular.” Maybe. But just because someone is popular doesn’t mean they can get a crowd excited
and motivated. Crowds get pumped up by stunts, gymnastics and jumps.
Instead of totally cutting out the student body vote, the sponsor could make it a small percent-
age of the total tryout score. This would give students input but not so much as to where the squad
is selected just on popularity.
Cheerleaders need to have technique and proficiency. This proposal allows this, which will in turn
make the squad better. A better squad will create more school spirit. All in favor of this proposal, in-
cluding Crosby, should stand up and holler.
Editorial Writing
Regional Meet • 2015

grades 9-12. At the end of last semester, failure rates for the freshman class were
as follows: 34 percent failed English, 41 percent failed a math class, 28 percent
failed world geography or world history and 33 percent failed biology. Failure rates
for other grades are only slightly better. In an effort to improve the failure rates,
You are a reporter Principal Lauren Hillside secured a grant from Techsource. The local company
for the Leaguetown will provide the school with the equipment and software to allow the school to
create a flipped classroom structure for the 2015-16 freshman and sophomore
Press, the stu-
classes. In flipped classrooms, instructional methods are reversed. Before coming
dent newspaper of to class each day, students will watch a lesson pre-recorded by their instructor,
Leaguetown High and then the teacher will use class time to answer student questions and assist in
School. From the class work and projects.
given information, The flipped model will look like this: Teachers will record their lectures and
write an editorial then post these videos to the school website. Students will watch the videos for
homework. The following day, students will work on assignments related to the
lecture. Lectures will be limited to 20 minutes.
high school newspa- The school computer lab will have extended hours for students who cannot
per. Remember that access the videos at home. It will open an hour before school starts and remain
as an editorial writer open until 6:30 p.m. each night.
you should support Several parents have expressed concerns about the flipped classrooms and
asked the school board to pilot the program with one or two classes rather than
or oppose policy or
mandating it for two grade levels. The school board said it will address the issue
action; you should at its next board meeting on Thursday, April 30. You are writing for the issue of
not sermonize. the Press to be distributed Monday, April 27.
You have THOSE SUPPORTING FLIPPED CLASSROOMS

Research supports the model. At Clipton High School in Michigan, the school
45 minutes.
dropped its failure rate from 40 percent to 12 percent in just two years using the
flipped classroom model. Schools across the U.S. saw similar gains when they
Do not write your moved to the flipped classroom. Plus, students often don’t understand home-
name or the name of work. If their only homework was to watch a video, they would not need help or
assistance at night.
your school on this
sheet or your entry. THOSE OPPOSING FLIPPED CLASSROOMS
Put your number Flipped classroom have two obvious issues. One, it relies heavily on the
NOT YOUR NAME principle that students are self-motivated. Clearly, the current failure rate shows
motivation is a problem. Two, implementing a flipped classroom adds an extra
on your paper. workload on teachers. In addition to grading, writing lesson plans and all of the
other work a teacher does, now he or she will have to record a video every night.
2015 REGIONAL EDITORIAL • PAGE 2
■ LAUREN HILLSIDE, principal
“With a flipped classroom, students will come to class ready to solve math problems, write about World
War II, work on a science lab or ask questions about literary devices. This model allows students to seek one-
on-one help from their teacher when they have a question about the work, rather than sitting in confusion
at home while trying to solve 50 math problems. Flipped classrooms give students the opportunity to learn
material in an environment that is conducive to their education.
“I understand some parents are worried that we are starting too large, but I believe it would be unfair
and create inequalities to offer this model to only a few students. My team has done the research, and we
will spend time this summer training our teachers so they are prepared. This is the future of education, and
I want our students to be at the front of the parade instead of trailing behind it.”
■ MARTHA DVORAK, freshman English teacher

“While I support this shift and am excited to bring this new learning model to our students, not every
teacher shares my view. Our failure rates are embarrassing, and we must do something drastic to turn them
around. I visited a school in California with flipped classrooms and was impressed by the depth of learning
and participation of the students.”
■ MARTIN REPO, freshman math teacher

“Right now, only about one-fourth of my students do their homework on any given night. That statistic is
about the same for all freshman teachers. What makes the principal think students are going to watch teacher
videos for homework? And what happens when they don’t? They won’t be able to do any of the work, and
we will be back at square one — teaching during class time. Our students are apathetic. Too many of them
don’t care. Flipped classrooms will not address that problem.
“The freshman teachers offer tutoring every day after school, and we never have more than four students
show up. And those four students are usually already passing.”
■ CASSI MOTERS, parent and treasure of the PTA (Parent-Teacher Association)

“This flipped classroom sounds nice, but what about our students who don’t have computers at their
homes? And even if students have a computer and Internet access, aren’t they going to get bored watching
videos of their teachers every night? I can’t imagine my son watching several talking heads every night.”
■ EDWARD PECINO, freshman

“We live out in the boonies and don’t have decent Internet connections. I play football, basketball and
baseball, so I can’t go to the computer lab after school, even if it is open until 6:30 p.m. I am either going
to have to go to the public library or come to school early to watch all of the videos. That is going to stink.”
A 2010 study published in Education Weekly reported that “there’s no evidence that higher achievement is
due to traditional homework, such as worksheets and book work. In fact, with struggling students homework
reinforces bad habits and misunderstanding.”
Regional • 2015
is about a flipped classroom structure. Do you support it or not?
board should.”
4. Look for the future angle. Your paper comes out before the board meeting.

9. Don’t clutter up the editorial with cliches or trite phrases such as “the proposal is stupid” or any
In an effort to improve high failure rates, Principal Lauren Hillside has proposed a flipped class-
room structure for the 2015-16 freshman and sophomore classes. In flipped classrooms, instead of
traditional homework students watch a pre-recorded lesson from their teacher and then use class
time to do the work and receive assistance as needed.
Teachers, parents and students have expressed concerns and rightfully so. When the school board
addresses the proposal Thursday, it should reject it and ask for further study.
While some schools have found success with this model, Leaguetown is not ready for it. To have
success with flipped classrooms, students must watch multiple teacher videos each night. The fresh-
man failure rates are excessive — averaging more than 30 percent in core classes. Those students
obviously lack motivation. They are not doing their homework. They don’t attend tutoring. They are not
going to watch the video lesson for every class, every night.
That’s the first misstep.
The next will come when students come to class with no knowledge of the topic discussed in the
previous night’s lecture. Even if a student wanted to do the work, he or she would not have the in-
struction to do it. The teacher will have to repeat the lesson, and the flipped classroom model is done.
The third misstep is the assumption that lecturing equals learning. The flipped classroom is built on
a traditional model of teaching and learning. The teacher lectures. The student intakes. The expecta-
tion will be that after viewing the video, the students will be ready to do the work. While this method
of teaching works for some learners, many others thrive with a model that includes discussion and
questions. Flipped classrooms don’t allow for that.
Proponents of the plan point to other schools where the flipped classroom produced excellent
results. Those communities bought into the concept and supported it. That is not happening here.
Flipped classrooms are not going to magically create motivated, connected students. Students must
be ready.
Failure rates are high, and something must change. But rather than jumping on the latest education
trend, the district needs to slow down, take a step in the right direction and start asking the important
question — why are students not succeeding? They might be surprised at the answer.
The failure rates are unacceptable, and Principal Lauren Hillside has proposed a creative solution
to help both students and teachers: the flipped classroom. In flipped classrooms, instead of traditional
homework students watch a pre-recorded lesson from their teacher and then use class time to do the
work and receive assistance as needed. This would include asking questions.
While some have expressed concerns, the school board needs to support Hillside and adopt her
plan at its Thursday meeting.
Hillside’s proposal didn’t come out of the clear blue. Flipped classrooms have been implemented
in several other cities — and with great results. A high school in Detroit, Michigan dropped its failure
rate from 40 percent to 12 percent in just two years by instituting the flipped classroom model. More
than 40 percent of freshman students here failed a math class last semester, with similar numbers
for other subjects.
Flipped classrooms also solve the homework problem for students. Instead of sitting at home
struggling over homework problems, students will work on the assignments during class and seek
one-on-one help from their teachers. A study published in Education Weekly reported that “there’s no
evidence that higher achievement is due to traditional homework.” In fact, homework is detrimental
to struggling students, reinforcing bad habits and misunderstanding.
Plus, if student are watching the instructional piece outside of class, they will have time to formu-
late questions about the concepts they don’t understand. Student/teacher interaction will increase
under this model. Not only will interaction increase, but the depth of conversation between student
and teacher will also grow because students will have time to absorb the lesson.
Opponents argue that students won’t be motivated to watch the videos, and thus they will be less
prepared than ever. Maybe. But maybe not. Watching a video is much easier than attempting hours
of homework that you don’t understand. If the school and the teachers get the students excited about
the work-free homework, then that is all of the motivation that will be needed.
This is a win-win for students. Less homework. More assistance when needed. It’s time to flip the
failure rate and approve this proposal.
Editorial Writing
State Meet • 2015
Leaguetown High School, located in League County, has 800 students en-
rolled in grades 9-12 and is the state’s third poorest school district. Last month
Gentry Energy approached the school board with a proposal to begin hydraulic
fracturing, more commonly known as fracking, on school district property. The
proposal offered the district $1 million up front, plus royalties over the next five
You are a reporter years. The company would like to drill wells on the property behind the high
for the Leaguetown school about 500 yards from the athletic practice fields.
Fracking recovers gas and oil from shale rock. Water, sand and chemicals are
Press, the stu-
injected into the rock at high pressure which allows the gas to flow out to the
dent newspaper of head of the well.
Leaguetown High The community is split over the proposal. The school board will vote on the
School. From the proposal at its next board meeting on Thursday, May 28. You are writing for the
given information, issue of the Press to be distributed Tuesday, May 26.
write an editorial
THOSE OPPOSING THE PROPOSAL
as you would for the Fracking uses huge amounts of water, approximately 4 million gallons per
high school newspa- well. League County is still experiencing extreme drought conditions. Also,
per. Remember that potentially carcinogenic chemicals used in the fracking process can escape and
as an editorial writer contaminate groundwater and air around the fracking site. The fracking process
you should support has been blamed for small earth tremors in areas where fracking is occurring.
Student health and safety is more important than money.
or oppose policy or
action; you should THOSE SUPPORTING THE PROPOSAL
not sermonize. The district is in dire need of money to upgrade technology and facilities, to
fund projects and to increase salaries. More than $1 million would provide a huge
You have boost for the district, and all students would benefit. Regarding the environmental
concerns, Gentry Energy reports that pollution incidents are the results of bad
45 minutes.
practice, and the connection between fracking and tremors are as yet unproven.
Do not write your ■ FRIEDA WHITESIDE, principal

name or the name of “I have mixed emotions about this proposal. Our district desperately needs
your school on this money. Our facilities are falling apart around us, and our students do not have
access to the latest technology because we cannot afford it. That said, I am not
sheet or your entry.
100 percent sold on the proposition that fracking is safe. Maybe if it's 10 miles
Put your number away, it's safe, but we are talking less than half of mile away from our students. In
NOT YOUR NAME the last week, our board has been undergoing a crash course in Fracking 101. I
on your paper. am confident they will make the right decision for our students and community."
2015 STATE EDITORIAL • PAGE 2
■ LYNN AZUMA, local pediatrician
“Some hazardous air pollutants, like the carcinogen benzene, are inevitable even with the most careful
processes. Our high school students are not yet adults. They are more susceptible to toxic chemicals because
they are still growing. Fracking may be safe in remote areas, but if there is any chance of pollutants, and I
don’t know how there can’t be, then fracking should not occur so close to a school. The risks far outweigh
the short-term benefits.”
■ LARRY BROWN, science teacher

“Many in our community are acting like ‘fracking’ is a bad word. It’s not bad. It’s been around for more
than 50 years and has proven multiple times to be safe for human and the environment. As a matter of fact,
there has never been a documented case with state health officials of fracking leading to groundwater con-
tamination or air pollution. It’s not only the district that wins if the board accepts the proposal, but Gentry
Energy plans to hire at least 40 locals, and at least 40 individuals will move to town. We need that economical
boost for our city. We need that boost for our schools, too. We can’t afford lab equipment and materials to
do basic labs in our science classes. Our students are falling behind their peers in wealthier districts.”
■ CONNOR JONES, head football coach

“Because of the drought, we can’t water our athletic fields. Our fields are hard, and all of the grass is dy-
ing. But we understand the sacrifice. It seems hypocritical for the district to allow the fracking company to
use millions of gallons of water when our own fields are turning to dust.
■ REX RUBIN, president of Gentry Energy

“Fracking allows companies like ours to access difficult-to-reach pockets of oil and gas. It has significantly
boosted oil production in the U.S. and driven down gas prices. We estimate that this industry will be able
to offer energy security to the U.S. and Canada for the next 100 years. It’s frustrating that we are hearing so
many exaggerations. Yes, fracking could be dangerous, but only if companies willingly defy laws and do not
follow safety standards. Almost any industry could be dangerous. The fact is, we follow the laws, and safety
is our number one priority. I live in the town with my family where we frack. I sleep with my windows open
and spend much of the day onsite. I have no concerns for my health or my family’s health.”
■ LAURA FRESNO, junior

“Two years ago, my aunt allowed an oil company to drill on her property. Now, she has asthma. She also
had two miscarriages last year. She regrets her decision so much that now she is a lobbyist for an environ-
mental agency that works to ban fracking. We just don’t know all of dangers from fracking, but my aunt has
documented hundreds of Texans who have gotten sick after fracking started in their neighborhood. If the
board needs proof that fracking is harmful, go talk to my aunt.”
Fracking doubled the state’s crude oil production over the past two years. This year, Texas is projected to
produce more than 3 million barrels a day — making the state the eighth-largest oil producer in the world.
School board members have refused to comment before the vote.
STATE • 2015
is about a fracking near school property. Do you support it or not?
board should.”
4. Look for the future angle. Your paper comes out before the board meeting.

9. Don’t clutter up the editorial with cliches or trite phrases such as “fracking is stupid” or any varia-
tion thereof. Also, edit out the name of the school unless it is necessary for clarity. It isn’t necessary
to say “Leaguetown Independent School District” or “Leaguetown High School.” Students know the
name of the school. They don’t need to be reminded.
The school district has been offered $1 million plus royalties to allow Gentry Energy, an oil and gas
company, to frack on district property. The company would like to drill wells on the property behind
the high school.
The school district needs money. That is true, but fracking is not the way to get it. The board should
reject the proposal this Thursday.
Fracking is controversial for a reason. Potentially carcinogenic chemicals like benzene used in the
fracking process can escape and contaminate groundwater and air around the fracking site. Texans
have reported health issues after living near fracking sites. This is not safe for any individual and es-
pecially not for young people. The company plans to begin fracking a mere 500 yards from the athletic
practice fields. Students will be exposed daily to these potentially hazardous substances.
Along with health concerns, fracking takes a toll on the environment. The county is experiencing
extreme drought conditions, and fracking uses approximately 4 million gallons of water per well. The
school district cannot support this water use when it doesn’t even water its own athletic fields.
The district also needs to consider the noise pollution of having wells near the school and the pos-
sible tremors from the fracking. The school will experience high traffic, including large 18-wheelers that
transport the fracking supplies, and the drilling is loud and disruptive. Even if the noise doesn’t filter
into the classroom, athletes should not have to endure the constant sounds of drilling during practices.
Proponents of the plan claim that opponents are using fear tactics to scare the board. Research
takes time, and while the researchers may not have compiled all of the evidence, preliminary studies
look suspicious. The fact is, people are getting sick. Sick students won’t care what kind of technology
is in their classroom or if the building is brand new.
The school board needs to choose health over money and tell Gentry to frack somewhere else.
The school district is the third poorest district in the state, and it has just been offered $1 million
plus royalties to allow Gentry Energy to frack on school district property.
Let’s repeat that — $1 million up front. The board should vote “yes” on Thursday and then vote
“yes, yes, yes” again.
School facilities are falling apart. Technology is out of date. Teachers are underpaid. This $1 million
would substantially improve the school district. And, royalties from the wells will be given to the district
for five years. Money doesn’t solve everything, but it would solve a lot of problems in this district.
The money could not only improve the facilities, but it could help enhance student learning. The
science department can’t even do basic labs because of a lack of funds. Students need to use the
most up-to-date technology to be competitive in college and the workforce.
The proposal would not only be good for the school district, it also would benefit the town. Gentry
Energy plans to hire at least 40 locals, and at least 40 individuals will move to town. This supports
the economy and citizens looking for a job.
Fracking is the country’s ticket to creating energy security for the U.S. If towns continue to shun
fracking, the U.S. will continue to be dependent on foreign countries for energy needs.
Opponents of the plan are using fear tactics to scare board members. The fact is, state officials
have no documented cases of fracking leading to groundwater or air pollution.
Fracking has been around for more than 50 years. Gentry Energy pledges that safety is its number
one priority, and it follows all safety standards and rules. The president of the company even lives with
his family in a town where his company drills.
The school board needs to focus on the facts. This proposal could prove to be the best “boom” to
ever hit the district.
2015 State Meet
Editorial Writing Champions
6A - Benroy Chan, Dulles High School
With poverty plaguing the school, Gentry Energy has proposed the start of hydraulic fracturing on district
property less than half of a mile away from the school.
Allowing Gentry Energy to start “fracking” will give the district $1 million now plus royalties over the next
five years. The school board will decide on whether to give the company permission to extract oil and gas at the
board meeting Thursday. Although the school could definitely use the money offered by Gentry Energy, the
school board needs to take non-financial factors into consideration. With all of the harm the extraction process
might cause, the school board should reject the company’s proposal.
Hydraulic fracturing involves the use of potentially carcinogenic chemicals, and allowing the company to
begin the process will pose a health risk to students. Chemicals such as benzene will inevitably enter the atmo-
sphere, and for those involved in sports or other outdoor activities, the risk is extreme. The bodies of many high
school students have not yet finished puberty, and the exposure to these chemicals may stunt or permanently
damage their development. Growing adolescents should have access to clean, pollutant-free air. The county also
is still experiencing a drought.
Allowing hydraulic fracturing on school property would degrade the school’s environment even further be-
cause the process uses extensive amounts of water. The grass on the football stadium has suffered because of the
lack of water, and diverting water we do not even have to this extraction process will cause further harm. Gentry
Energy has informed the community that fracking is safe, but the school board needs to take the information
with a grain of salt.
An energy company who desires potential profits might increase their chances of obtaining permission for
fracking, even if they have to hide the truth. The company claims that they follow all laws, but without enough
transparency, a potential accident can occur.
If the school board allows the company to drill on district property, they risk the start of another tragedy as
big as Love Canal. Supporters of the proposal argue that the district needs the money, but nothing lasts forever.
The company will stop giving the district royalties after only five years. After the company completes extracting
all of the oil and gas, they will probably leave the property barren and degraded. The health of students and envi-
ronment is worth more than $1 million and five years of royalties.
When considering all of the potential effects of hydraulic fracturing, the company’s proposal seems much less
promising. The financial problem of the school cannot be fixed instantly, and it is foolish to think that fracking
will solve all of the district’s problems. In two days, the school board should reject Gentry Energy’s proposal.
5A - Claire Carpenter, Hallsville High School

The school board will vote whether to begin hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, on school
district property at its next board meeting Thursday. Last month, Gentry Energy offered the district $1 million
up front, plus royalties over the next five years.
The school board should vote against the fracking proposal. Fracking uses vast amounts of water and the
county is still experiencing extreme drought conditions. Each well needs around 4 million gallons of water and
Gentry Energy plans to drill several wells. Students should use that water instead.
The athletic fields are watered due to the drought so the fields are hard and the grass is dying. If the district
can’t even water a few local fields, then a company from out of town certainly shouldn’t use the precious water.
Water should be used for people’s needs, not wells. The risks of fracking far outweigh the short-term benefits.
Potentially carcinogenic chemicals used in the fracking process can leak out, contaminating the groundwater
and air surrounding the site. Fracking recovers gas and oil from shale rock by injecting water, sand and chemi-
cals into the rock at high pressure which allows gas to flow out to the head of the well. If gas can flow out, so can
chemicals along with it.
With the planned site about 500 yards from the high school athletic practice fields, these escaped chemi-
cals than adults because they are still growing. They should not be exposed to such serious health risks. Those
supporting the fracking proposal claim that since the school district is the third poorest in the state, money is
needed, but the need for money should never put students in danger.
The fracking process has been blamed for causing small earth tremors near fracking sites. These earth trem-
ors can cause cracks in the building foundations nearby, which can lead to other structural problems. Students
should not be put at risk of earth tremors just for some money.
The school board should vote against the fracking proposal at its Thursday board meeting. The health and
safety of students is more important than money. If the district is really in dire need of money, then the school
board should propose moving the fracking site farther away from where students are. Students should not be put
at risk.
4A - Hunter Webb, Lampasas High School

Leaguetown High is in desperate need of funding. It is in the third poorest school district in the state of
Texas. Last month, Gentry Energy approached the school board about drilling oil wells and start hydraulic frac-
turing, or fracking, on school property. The proposal would generate $1 million upfront plus royalties, and the
school board will decide if it will accept this proposal. It shouldn’t. The hazards outweigh the monetary benefits.
Fracking recovers gas and oil from shale rock. Water, sand and chemicals are injected into the rock at high
pressure to allow the gas to flow out of the head of the well. Fracking uses large amounts of water, which becomes
polluted. Approximately 4 million gallons are used per well. League County is experiencing extreme drought
conditions right now.
The amount of water that will be taken up by fracking will leave the school without enough water to function.
Athletic fields have already been left to die due to the lack of water. Taking up 4 million plus gallons just does not
make sense. Water used in fracking is exposed to numerous chemicals. The polluted water poses other issues.
Runoff and wastewater from fracking can contaminate groundwater. Contaminating the already limited water
source of League County is not an option.
With an ongoing drought, every gallon of clean water is needed. Air pollution is also an issue. Fracking, al-
though safe in remote areas, produces dangerous fumes. Carcinogens should not be produced near children who
are still growing and are more susceptible to the dangers these toxic chemicals pose. The wells and fracking site
are only 500 yards from the school.
This is simply too close for comfort. Ground tremors have been experienced in other areas where fracking
occurs. This is like letting small earthquakes happen because of a controllable process. By fracking
near students, the risk of injury or damage occurring to students or property increases. School should be a
safe environment for students. They should not be afraid for their health or physical wellbeing because of the
conditions around their school.
While some argue that fracking is safe, hundreds of cases of people around fracking sites in Texas have been
recorded. Respiratory issues, miscarriages and other issues caused by pollution are all in the real cost of fracking.
Money is not worth risking students’ safety.
There are options to fund the school district. Parents and students can get involved and hold fundraisers for
new facilities and equipment. Property taxes in the district can be raised. There is no need to put students at risk
due to the lack of funding.
The district shouldn’t allow this dangerous process to occur on school property.
TOPS IN TEXAS
3A - Mason Malone, White Oak High School
Following a proposal from Gentry Energy to begin hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, on school property, the
school board will vote on the proposal Thursday. If accepted, Gentry will begin fracking behind the high school
about 500 yards from the athletic practice fields. The district will receive $1 million up front plus royalties over
the next five years.
The school board should take Gentry’s offer and fire up the drill if they want students to have resources for
the 21st century. Welcoming the company will provide the school with $1 million immediately. This could in-
crease high school funding by over $1,000 per student for the next school year.
This economic boon carries more than short-term benefits. Royalties will supplement the district’s income
for another five years and tax revenue will still pour in after the royalties end. With Gentry’s offer comes 40 new
residents to the town, all of whom will pay property taxes to help fund the district. These monetary benefits
translate into academic benefits over time.
As the state’s third poorest school district, infrastructure continues to crumble, and science classes cannot
provide lab equipment for basic labs. Students do not get the same experience here as other students in wealthier
districts. With the proposal, students could start receiving an education similar to their peers across the state.
While some claim health concerns as reasons against this proposal, state health officials have never docu-
mented a single case of fracking leading to groundwater contamination or air pollution. Even then, pollution
problems only occur when a company fails to abide by federal and sate laws and safety standards.
Gentry is not going to risk this, especially when its president lives with his family in a town where the com-
pany fracks. Some claim that hydraulic fracturing caused their health problems, but the symptoms showing after
the fracking began does not mean fracking caused it. People get sick all the time, with or without companies like
Gentry in the community.
If Gentry and the school board wanted to prove the safety of fracking to the community, it could include a
stipulation in the agreement that the board revisit Gentry’s use of school property in 10 years. In the event that
a documented case of illness or pollution surfaces and is linked to Gentry’s actions on school property, then the
board should have the power to end the agreement.
If the research is correct, Gentry has nothing to worry about and neither does the community. The school
board should approve Gentry’s proposal and kick off this boom. Parents and students should attend the meeting
Thursday and voice support for closing the gap between this district and its well-off counterparts across the state.
2A - Micah Cooke, Archer City High School

After being offered $1 million upfront and five years of royalty, the community is split over the decision to
allow Gentry Energy to begin hydraulic fracturing on school property. The school board will vote Thursday to
decide the financial fate of the district. This proposal is financially, educationally, and economically beneficial for
the district. The board should not hesitate to approve it.
The district’s rank as third poorest in the state is evident in its crumbling facilities.
The million-dollar asset will upgrade the buildings, repair damage, and raise salaries. Students are expected
to give 100 percent of their education, but their district is not giving 100 percent back by confining them to an
inadequate learning center. Teachers, also, sacrifice so much of their time and effort to mentor students, and they
deserve a reasonable paycheck.
This proposal gives the district the opportunity to provide these necessities for their students and teachers.
Students are not able to reach their full academic potential if they are deprived of proper learning materials. The
school is lacking science labs, course equipment, and updated technology. These teenagers are falling behind
wealthier school districts simply because they are not offered proper learning opportunities.
If the board rejects this proposal, they are intentionally denying the students of educational resources and
handicapping their learning ability. In addition, this proposal is economically beneficial. Gentry Energy antici-
pates hiring at least 40 locals. This economic boost is essential to any district, but this type of economic growth
should be a high priority for poor districts. Agreeing to fracking on school property allows the district to give
back to the community.
Those who oppose the proposal fear that fracking could potentially leak chemicals into the groundwater and
air. Contrary to this disbelief, state health officials have never documented a case of fracking leading to air or
water pollution.
Any problems with fracking come from companies choosing to defy laws; Gentry Energy, however, follows
safety standards and holds safety as their number one priority. By accepting this proposal, the district is intro-
ducing a beneficial solution for the district, the school, and the town.
The board should allow Gentry Energy to begin fracking on school property for the betterment of their stu-
dents.
1A - Callie Shipley, Channing High School

Gentry Energy has offered one million dollars and royalties over the next five years to begin hydraulic frac-
turing, more commonly known as fracking, on school district property. The school board will vote whether to
accept the proposal at its meeting on Thursday.
The board should not jeopardize student safety with this potentially dangerous proposal. During the process
of fracking, harmful air pollutants can escape and contaminate groundwater and air. According to local pedi-
atrician Lynn Azuma, toxic chemicals like carcinogen benzene are inevitable during fracking and could harm
growing high school students.
Sickness and health issues are hazardous risks the school should not take. Fracking would also use four mil-
lion gallons of the town’s valuable water per well. Extreme drought conditions have already forced the school to
stop watering the athletic fields.
While the money may improve the school’s budgeting issues, the lack of water would hurt the county’s econ-
omy. The community cannot afford to make the investment.
The company plans to begin fracking a mere 500 yards from the athletic practice fields on the property be-
hind the high school. This is too close for comfort.
While fracking could be a possible solution if located far away, beginning the process within walking distance
from the school presents a danger to students, faculty, and the community. While those supporting the propos-
al feel the money received would help the school’s programs, the priority for student safety far outweighs these
benefits.
The school should strive to produce healthy citizens rather than knowingly accept the risk of endangering
their students. The school board and the community should refuse this proposal: money has no significance in a
situation in which the wellbeing of students is at risk.

15 Editorial Practice PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

15 Editorial Practice PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Editorial Writing

Invitational A Meet • 2015

Leaguetown High School has 2,700 students enrolled in grades 9-12. At

■ Lily levario, freshman

■ george ridges, freshman

■ hal dunker, driver’s education teacher

■ james briano, Spanish teacher

■ laurie castillo, principal

■ billy ferguson, junior

■ Lola ferguson, Billy’s mother

■ giovanni leone, senior

■ heidi renner, Spanish teacher

Leaguetown High School, located in Texas, has 2,800 students enrolled in

■ TERRANCE DACE, principal

■ JACKIE SERRATO, president of PTA

■ JOCELYN FLORES, senior

■ MASON MCBEAN, senior

Leaguetown High School, located in Texas, has 1,500 students enrolled in

THOSE OPPOSING THE PROPOSAL

■ TIFFANIE CANTRELL, cheerleader sponsor

■ BETHANY RAMIREZ, junior and current varsity cheerleader

■ GENNIFER DEETS, sophomore and current varsity cheerleader

■ PENELOPE ORANGE, parent of a freshman who plans to try out

Leaguetown High School, located in Texas, has 2,900 students enrolled in

You have THOSE SUPPORTING FLIPPED CLASSROOMS

■ MARTHA DVORAK, freshman English teacher

■ MARTIN REPO, freshman math teacher

■ CASSI MOTERS, parent and treasure of the PTA (Parent-Teacher Association)

■ EDWARD PECINO, freshman

Do not write your ■ FRIEDA WHITESIDE, principal

■ LARRY BROWN, science teacher

■ CONNOR JONES, head football coach

■ REX RUBIN, president of Gentry Energy

■ LAURA FRESNO, junior

5A - Claire Carpenter, Hallsville High School

4A - Hunter Webb, Lampasas High School

2A - Micah Cooke, Archer City High School

1A - Callie Shipley, Channing High School

You might also like