Student Disputes Image of Westlake

I am currently a senior at Westlake High and am enjoying the success of our football team.

Our team has worked hard all year and it is finally paying off. One of the bright spots on our team has been quarterback Todd Preston. I am happy to see that Todd is getting the attention he deserves. However in Jeff Riley’s article of Oct. 25, I found the means by which you praised him unforgivable. I am referring to the blatant stereotyping of Westlake students in order to show Preston as the kid who has simple tastes as opposed to the “Westlake” student.

Todd Preston sticks out at Westlake as much as a snake does in 10-foot grass. This may come as a surprise, but the average Westlake student does not own a BMW, aspire to be a corporate lawyer, or take part in the “Westlake fashion world.”

Some of us drive old cars, seek middle-class jobs and wear T-shirts and shorts. I’m not too sure where the Westlake in the article is, but the school I attend is totally different. Maybe the next time you write about our school, you should come and see what Westlake is all about.

PHILLIP ATKINSON

Thousand Oaks