Sectretary of Eduacation, Arne Duncan, expressed that we need to give our students real opportunities and real support. I believe that by doing so we will be able to nurture a real future. As a student board member, I’ve witnessed this “race to the bottom” that Secretary Duncan explained in his speech. To better the lives and futures ahead of us we need to “race to the top” by going beyond standards and stepping away from the status quo. I agree that there should be “no suprises” when it comes to our triumphs and victories because success should be expected. We need to continue to rise through these times of ecomomic downfall by telling the truth, or as Sectretary Duncan explained “the good, the bad, and the ugly.”  A better economy has its roots in  better education. “A race to the top”  in our schools is what needs to happen with no ifs, ands, or excuses.

Kiera Murphy

Sweetwater Union High School District Student Board Representative