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You’re only a child for a short amount of time. This is my ninth grade year at Lebanon High School and I am ecstatic to return to school. I’m looking forward to the musical, choir, my first high school cross country season, student council, and a great education. I’m excited to see my friends and meet my new teachers.
Due to school modifications in the current pandemic, students are missing out on a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn and try new things. To me, it seems like our generation has been overlooked by authority figures during this pandemic. I know there is a virus out there and I will follow whatever safety precautions are put in place, but I believe that in-person school is necessary for my future.
I think that it is better to take the risk of getting sick than to damage our futures, which is certain if we do not attend school or participate in extracurricular activities. There are many decisions being made about schools, but adults are making them for the kids. The students have no say in decisions being made about them. I encourage students to speak up for what they think is right, which is why I’m writing this letter.
To all of those who are reading this who have authority to make decisions for children, please consider that kids need social interactions, trained educators, physical activity, and experiences outside of their home. We will remember the decisions you make when we have to make decisions for our own children.
Savannah Hershey is a freshman at Lebanon High School. She is a member of Lebanon’s cross country team, chorus, All-Star Singers, and news crew. She also takes dance at Jonestown Dance Studio.
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