Academic events deserve recognition

To the editor:

As any of us who are parents know we are proud of our kids whether they place first or last in any event that they are involved in.

Imagine my surprise when I saw the write up in The Gazette for the Jefferson High School Academic Decathlon team winning the state competition for the 18th year in a row. Maybe surprise is not the right adjective. Imagine my disappointment is more like it. Why is it that The Gazette can give more print to sporting events and things that go astray in the schools than they do they things that are newsworthy and well accomplished?

As a mom of one of this academic decathlon team members, I can tell you that they spend countless hours practicing for these competitions. While they may not work up a sweat or have 'Friday night lights” when they compete, they certainly have the same drive, motivation, and team spirit that any athlete does! Yet, when my son who, also played football at Jefferson, made it to sub state, they got more print and coverage than this well-deserved team of academic athletes who have won this event year after year.

Shame on the writer and The Gazette for not giving these kids the print they deserve. Maybe if we as adults placed more emphasis on academic accomplishments rather than sporting accomplishments the kids might follow suit.

Carrie Thompson

Cedar Rapids