cgod: I wrote and essay in high school that questioned the value our school placed on sports and how it crowded out academic and practical preparation for the real world. It was for a class assignment, my teacher took it to a school board meeting and read it to the board. As far as essays go it was immature and a bit angry, but I think that I made a few good points. The principal, 2 of the vice principals and assorted henchmen kept a close eye on me after that. My life became a bit harder, I was put in a program for kids with drug problems with no evidence of drug use and was brought to the office if I was even near any punishable incident, even if I wasn't involved.Several teachers took the time to tell me that they thought that my essay was important, and that they were proud that I wrote something that mattered.
I think that without the recongnition that questioning athourity can be positive given by those few kind teachers I would not be the person I am today.
Jada's essay it much better then mine was, and she is younger now then I was then. I'm sure that the Frederick Douglass Societies of New York's support will help Jada become a brave and productive citizen. It's great to see a 13 year old get this kind of recognition and support.