Letter: Kudos to all at Monroe High for inclusive homecoming

I write to congratulate the students at Monroe High School for their decision to make Homecoming inclusive for all students. (Oct. 15 article by Caitlin Tompkins, “At Monroe High, homecoming’s more than a popularity contest.”) Most of us can remember our high school homecoming. It was basically a popularity contest, without a lot of consideration for kids who were not in the “in crowd.” Monroe has taken the higher ground, even adding civic duties to the mix (food bank, etc.)

Not only are the students to be congratulated, but so are their parents and their teachers, and their principal. You must have been supportive of this unique idea. My daughter is long since grown, but if she were going to be entering high school, I’d be fudging my address so that she could attend Monroe High.

Your story bolsters my faith in the young of this state. Keep up the good work. A high school counselor once told me that there are a million straight “A” students out there, so colleges look for other traits on their applications. Traits like creativity, the ability to think outside the box. and the ability to care for others. You have demonstrated all of these and more.

Thank you again for showing us maturity beyond your years.

And Superintendent Dorn, I think these kids deserve a visit from you.

Elaine Knapp

Mukilteo