Science Coverage

I was disappointed by the meager coverage given to two outstanding groups of local students (“La Jolla High Again Wins Competition,” May 19). The article appears as a small box on page B4. The article outlines the La Jolla High School’s science team capturing first place for the second straight year in the National Science Olympiad competition. The team from Bell Junior High School came in second in its division. Though four students from La Jolla won gold medals, not one is mentioned by name.

Our national agenda is set in subtle ways, and the media attention children receive has far-reaching effects. If the Little League team from La Jolla had won at Williamsport, I suspect that you would have had a box on the front page and a banner headline inside. You can bet that star players would have been named.

The level of scientific achievement in our community is very high, and the outstanding performance of these young men and women is something in which all of San Diego can take great pride.

On the one hand, The Times decries declining educational standards and lower test scores, and on the other drops its science pages. I believe that you should exercise your editorial responsibility and put these kids on the front page when they are honored by President Bush at the White House.

DR. BRIAN COPELAND

Head of Neurosurgery

Scripps Clinic

La Jolla