Dear Editor:
In a recent issue of the Westerner a two paragraph article appeared under News Briefs. "For the first time a Maine West student has been in the top 40," the article stated, referring to the Westinghouse Science Scholarship award. Since it is generally acknowledged that our purpose at Maine West is for an education, it is odd that so little prestige was given to the student.

There was no background material written explaining just how unique the student's accomplishment was. Also, how many students know exactly who he is?

Publicity was instead given to Student Council members who headed committees. These students, who are quite active in school news, are well known to a greater number of people.

Their picture appeared on the front page. Maybe that's one of the reasons why so many kids say that the same people are always in the Westerner.

Name Withheld


Editor's Note: The item referred to was relayed to the staff just a few days prior to publication making it impossible to redo the page layout to accommodate a feature story on the student.

Dear Editor:
After talking to quite a few students, I have come to the conclusion that many people at Maine West do not value this paper. Maybe the paper doesn't appeal to some, but just come to R‑210 and read one from another school. I have not read another school paper that had as much in as ours does. Not every school paper will come out and discuss controversial subjects, and many papers don't have an open column.

Sure, not everything is printed, but I think we have one of the most "uncensored" papers in our area. In a past issue, there was an editorial aimed at encouraging students to sign up for journalism. Unfortunately, I think it was aimed at the wrong people. What good will a person who can't bother to come to R‑210 and give his opinions even to a newspaper?

A paper needs doers, not complainers. The paper comes out bimonthly, and it doesn't print blank space. People who sign up for journalism must expect to work and to get their stories in on time. It might seem like an easy credit if that's all you are after. But, if you want something more, you must work for it. It is a very rewarding experience to see your first story printed.

Diana Theos