Kids Can Excel If Given Attention, Opportunity
Contrary to the perception that might result from screaming headlines and late night newscasts, the majority of youths in this city are considerate and caring.
That’s not to say kids never get into mischief. All we have to do is look back at our youthful days and remember that rebellion and restlessness are timeless. But the difference is how much direction kids have at home and at school. Do other neighbors watch out for them and, in turn, keep them on the right path?
The situation could be better, but youngsters can still excel, especially on the Southwest Side. In last week’s edition of the News-Herald, we did a story on students at Sandoval Elementary School, 5534 S. St. Louis Ave., who helped clean up the grounds around the school on April 22, which was Earth Day.
In this week’s edition, students at St. Mary Star of the Sea Elementary School, 6424 S. Kenneth Ave., took part in a day in which they experienced what it is like to be disabled. A Girl Scout group at St. Joseph Elementary School in Summit, which has students from Garfield Ridge, took part in a ceremony in which they planted a tree in front of the school.
Kids will be kids. That is normal. But kids also have to know that people care about them enough to assist them and direct them. When youngsters have the tools to cope with success as well as failure, then they will be on the right path.
Poverty and broken homes can take a toll on youngsters, but they don’t have to lead to violence. In the News-Herald, we will continue to highlight the achievements of local youngsters. Those headlines and stories are worth writing about as well.