COMMENTARY : It’s Time to Spotlight the Positives at Crescenta Valley High

Many of us at Crescenta Valley High School have had to endure three years of negative headlines, tragic events, controversies and unfavorable publicity (a senseless homicide of a beautiful senior after her prom, a tragic suicide, a test cheating scandal and a controversial code of conduct and appearance for athletes, among others).

It is time we focus attention on our positives and the many activities and programs which our school offers and which are good for students and the community. We are proud of our school, its programs, staff and activities. Here are a few examples:

* CV offers its students the most comprehensive and dynamic Honors and Advanced Placement academic programs in the area. Over 300 students are enrolled in college-level classes while still in high school. More than half the graduating seniors will take 12 different Advanced Placement college validating tests in May and earn college and university credits and advanced standing--before enrolling in colleges and universities. This is a tremendous savings in time and energy for students and real dollars for parents. And these numbers are clear and compelling evidence that we offer a superb academic program.

* Another solid indicator of the quality of programs we offer is CV’s graphic arts program. We have one of the most advanced and comprehensive computer and print-skills training programs in California. Our students learn skills they can use in the marketplace and for which they are well paid. We have seven printing presses, computer typesetting and a wide array of skills training which are in demand by the private sector. Over 150 students are enrolled in our program. Our graduates go on to be productive and happy contributors to society.

* The CV Yearbook and Falcon newspaper are two publications that have been judged among the top dozen publications in the nation for having consistent quality and excellence. They are researched, written, photographed and produced by students utilizing desktop publishing and graphics. The students spend hundreds of hours producing these publications. They and their teacher advisers deserve a whole lot of gratitude, admiration and appreciation for their quality and excellence.

* Another program that goes on year after year with little fanfare is Shirley Nute’s music programs. Admired, loved, applauded and appreciated by generations of students and parents, Miss Nute is a legend in her own right. Her contributions to students’ self-esteem, cultural heritage, community activities and spirit, and parental involvement are well documented, highly praised and well deserved.

We can go on and mention numerous other unsung heroes who labor daily, well beyond the call of duty, in support of students. Club and class advisers, athletic team coaches, drama staff, counseling staff, teacher assistants and community people constitute a family of contributors to the quality of life at CV.

And let us not forget to mention our parents and community. Their involvement and support are absolutely fantastic. Look at parents who prepare snacks and attend every meet, game and concert held. How about the numerous parents who helped raise thousands of dollars by working the snack shack at football games? And what about the many community and business contributors who support the school? Look at any program for any of our functions and see how many ads are bought, products donated and hours contributed, all in support of our school.

CV is alive and well because we have caring parents and staff who want to give students every possible opportunity to develop, improve and succeed. We are willing to sacrifice and pay a heavy price because we have pride in our school and community and we value our traditions of quality and excellence. And, we promise to keep on doing better!

Chakib Sambar.