Maine West is a new school, and it is important that we, the first students, set a high standard of leadership for future West Mainites to follow. But this high standard is endangered by the fact that too many students are gaining the wrong concept of prestige. To them prestige has become a goal, and as soon as this goal has been reached, those who have attained it feel they are somehow superior to all others, including the faculty.

Prestige does not carry with it the privilege of ignoring education, taking advantage of teachers, or getting out of work. It is not to be exploited or flaunted, but it is rather a trust, carrying with it the responsibility of setting an example.

The entire student body needs to re‑examine its standard of values. Have we put such a high price on prestige that we want to attain it by any means? Has association with important members of the student body become the entire object of our high school career? Since it is natural to look up to and imitate certain leaders, it is important to choose carefully our examples and not to blindly idolize those who happen to hold a position of importance.

If we demand higher standards of leadership, we shall get them. But as long as we are satisfied with something less, Maine West will have difficulty in maintaining its quality of leadership.

Nancy Thinnes, Managing Editor