The Feb. 15 Sports article, “Fan-tastic or just foul?”, was a poor attempt at sensational journalism. Suggesting that these high school kids have “gone too far” is as inept as some of the article’s analogies. The writer compares high school spirit with “the gutter of fan support,” or “crossing the line from witty to cruel,” or “tasteless hard-core antics.” How absurd! The article is a gross misrepresentation of what these kids are about.
As a parent of an Everett High senior, I have been to many of the sporting events over the last few years. The school spirit these kids show is not only refreshing, it is highly encouraged by parents and staff. In the rare event that students get carried away, their behavior is addressed immediately by staff. In some cases I have seen the kids apply peer pressure to curb over-zealous students on their own.
I was particularly proud of Jo Levin for voicing her support of Everett High students and their traditions, energy, and ability to have good healthy fun. The article states that a parent from Shorecrest was outraged and a parent from Mount Vernon expressed irritation. It is my experience that parent behavior at school sporting events is a bigger problem than student behavior. One outraged parent and one irritated parent; is that all? I’ve seen more angry parents than that at t-ball games and no one suggests those little tikes’ behavior is a threat to civilized living.
The pictures in the article are a result of a heads up to the students that a reporter may be at the game doing an article on school spirit. The kids were excited to bring their best effort in hopes of getting recognition. What a slap in the face.
Carolyn Johnston
Everett
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