Saranac Lake High School Valedictorian Redux

Go here to read the other side of the "Valedictorian Bullying Story".

My first reaction was, “Oh boy, here we go again.” You see, this entire year seems to have revolved around graduation and who was (or wasn’t) going to be valedictorian and salutatorian. And with graduation being done and over with, I was really hoping we could leave this conflict behind. It seems that students’ reactions to this problem have evolved over the course of the year from surprise to disbelief followed by anger, then, finally, acceptance. Yes, many of us were unhappy with the outcome, but we knew that there was nothing that we could do about it. So we accepted it for what it was and moved on.

I believe that the Nashett family has failed to see the Class of 2007’s view when it comes to this topic. That Rebecca was able to graduate early is terrific. I myself think it’s great that she had the determination and perseverance to finish four years of work in three. But what about our own top grads who have worked hard over the past four years to win the top honors? I believe Rebecca’s hard work should be recognized but should not trump that of those who have worked for so long to earn what they have.

Unfortunately this story has far reaching effects. In todays Adirondack Daily Enterprise there is a letter to the Editor from Alaska. Here it is in its entirety:

To the editor: Dear Saranac Lakers: Most every day, either myself or my husband go to the Adirondack Daily Enterprise and/or the Plattsburgh newspaper to read. You see, we’re looking to relocate to the area from Alaska and are getting acquainted with the various communities through not only reading the news there but through other avenues as well.

We’re looking at which community would best suit our needs in buying a home and property to set down roots, with special attention given to the needs of our gifted son’s education, as well as which community we would like to positively contribute to.

This Tuesday, June 26, in reading an article from your headlines, I was not only disappointed but appalled at the behavior from those at Saranac Lake High School toward the student Rebecca Nashett and her accomplishments. And seeing that the school administration there did little to curb the bad behavior toward this young lady is completely without excuse.

With that being said, I want you in Saranac Lake to know that you’ve been watched from as far away as Alaska. In the last several months of making calls and reading the news, and today with the article about the Nashetts and their daughter Rebecca, we have seen enough to know that Saranac Lake seems to be far less than the warm-hearted small town that we’re looking for. To ostracize one who excels to the extent as Rebecca Nashett has shows only a small-minded community, with envy and malice in their hearts for those that stand obviously heads above others, no matter the age or grade difference.

In closing, our family sends a big congratulations to the Nashetts and their daughter Rebecca for a job well done!!

And ... that we will be moving to a community in the Adirondacks in the very near future, but sadly, we can gurantee that it won’t be to the community of Saranac Lake. Please be aware of the type of example you are setting for all to see, even as far away as Alaska.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Orchard

Seward, Alaska

The Internets have made the World a very small place. In the last few weeks many in Saranac Lake have shown Saranac Lake to be intolerant to gays and unable to handle administrative problems in our high school (I personally believe we have a very good school system at least academically).