It happens...my HS was strong in academics and was also an athletics powerhouse in everything from football to swimming to golf to field hockey (only public school in the state with a team). When I went to college and people asked where I was from, they definitely knew where I was talking about. However, it was usually followed by "So are you rich?"

my thing is that we have a ton of kids that come to Purdue and try to go thru the engineering program up there from those affluent chicago suburb schools. a lot of those kids are also the ones who fail out of engineering and make up the almost 70% (don't quote me, that's something i heard during freshman year) that don't make out of the first year of classes. then you have me, who went to 2 high schools, the last of which was a vocational joint in which only about 30% (senior project) went to a 4 year college. oh yea, i also have a BSCE and MSCE from purdue and have a several job offers. not to be on my own nuts, but, people will never gave you a job for you being in NHS.

You're absolutely correct, your HS will not get your foot in the door for a job or a career.

But it still has other financial effects.

The reputation of a high school will have a big part in determining the home and property values of an area. If the HS sucks, people will stay away in droves, and property values drop. The reverse is true if the HS has a good rep.

So when the day comes that you are looking for a place to live and want to factor in education for your children, and what you can afford to buy, the HS reputation becomes very important.

</hijack>
Adrienne (PNAM-2003 and wife of Purdue alum ;) )

News from Federal Court
 

This was in today's Chicago Tribune. It appears that the federal court believes the school does have the authority to take action. (This was the girl who appeared on Good Morning America who did not understand what it meant to be remorseful.)

Glenbrook hazing plaintiff loses in court
By Matt O’Connor
Tribune staff reporter
Published May 29, 2003, 1:08 PM CDT

Advising the plaintiff should just get on with her life, a federal judge today denied a request by a Glenbrook North High School student that the court block her expulsion over a recent hazing.

"We all make mistakes. Kids do stupid things. The sooner you can get over that, the better," U.S. District Chief Judge Charles Kocoras said.

Kocoras denied a request for a temporary restraining order in the suit by Liat Gendelman, one of 31 seniors recently suspended and expelled by Northfield Township High School District 225.

After court, Gendelman's attorney, Dolores Ayala, said she and her client would "respect Judge Kocoras' opinion." Ayala indicated Gendelman would withdraw her suit and sign an agreement with the school district accepting her punishment in exchange for receiving her diploma.

Under the agreement, the student's grades would be frozen as they were before her suspension, and she would undergo three hours of counseling and perform 10 hours of community service, officials said.

Ayala said another Glenbrook North senior she was representing, Taylor Wessel, last week signed a similar agreement with the school district.

Previously, Ayala had argued her clients had been suspended without due process, and that Glenbrook North officials did not have the authority to discipline them for an activity not sponsored by or held at the school.

A total of 31 seniors have been expelled because of their role in the May 4 hazing, which sent five junior girls to the hospital. Senior girls were caught on videotape punching, kicking and dumping filth on the juniors.

Also, 20 juniors face 10-day suspensions unless they sign waivers agreeing to counseling and not attempting to gain commercially from their experience. Five seniors went to court to contest their punishments. To date, all have been unsuccessful in their attempts to obtain restraining orders blocking their suspensions and expulsions.

Additionally, Cook County prosecutors last week charged 16 seniors and two parents for their alleged roles in the hazing.
Copyright © 2003, The Associated Press

Re: News from Federal Court
 

She got off easy.. why was she all upset & suing? It's not like they gave her 60 hours of community service:rolleyes:

momoftwo, thank you for keeping us updated!

random question that maybe someone can answer: Since this terrible event took place off campus grounds, could the local law enforcement of that area present these girls with charges? I'm not sure if that is possible?

I'm sure that would be a LOT worse than getting your grades frozen, having THREE hours of counciling and only 10 hours of community service... so I just really don't understand why these girls are suing :confused: it could be worse.

Re: News from Federal Court
 

In the mean time, Counselor Ayala has added a number of paid hours to her invoice to the student and parents.

Gee, is that cynical of me?

The article clearly answers another question. Yes, local authorities can bring charges. Local prosecutors have charged some of the kids.

Finally, in terms of highly regarded high schools making a difference. I think it's a regional thing. If you go to college reasonably close to home, they will have heard of your school. Same thing when you're looking for the first job. It doesn't hurt to be a graduate of a highly regarded school.

If you're a couple thousand miles away from home, though, it means little or nothing -- unless, of course, you run into someone who came from your hometown/area.

Re: Re: News from Federal Court
 

Having just observed the college search process with my daughter and her friends, I can tell you that coming from a highly regarded high school is a double-edged sword. All other things being equal, it is clearly easier to get into the University of Illinois if you go to a school that is not so heavily populated with the high caliber students that attend schools like the Glenbrooks.

For example, University of Illinois admits students according to Class Rank and ACT scores. If you have a high ACT score, they expect you to have a corresponding high class rank. Problem is that high percentage of kids at such schools have high test scores, so their class rank is not so hot. I've heard of lots of kids who had 30's and 31's on their ACTs and all A's and B's being denied admission to UIUC. They call it the New Trier effect, but it hurts lots of kids in the area. Schools away from Illinois that have had North Suburban kids attend before seem to have more regard for the competition these kids dealt with in high school and many don't hold the class rank against them.

I do not expect the fact that my kids went to a highly regarded public high school to give them any tremendous benefit in terms of name recognition. I do expect that they will be well-prepared for college, from both an academic and co-curricular standpoint. They have learned how to learn and they've learned how to find their niche and be involved. They have a solid foundation from which to build a successful life, not just from a material point of view. I wish I'd had the high school experience they have had. None of the things that happened in the forest preserve on May 4 changed the things, that in my mind, make the Glenbrooks a good place to send your kids to school.

I jumped into this thread to defend the district against some early criticism that the school should do more. I knew that once they had all the facts, they would do the right thing. While public relations might not be their strong suit, I do believe that every action they took was in the interest of all the students, including those that caused the embarassment in the first place. I'm still proud to be a Glenbrook mom.

Re: News from Federal Court
 

try telling that to the minority youth who are constantly jailed by the system for "making mistakes." right......i love the hypocrisy of the US government.

Only 10 hours??
 

For real! I had to do THIRTY hours of community service to make my confirmation in 10th grade, and that was a good thing!! :)

Re: Re: Re: News from Federal Court
 

Right on the money, momoftwo. I'm still proud to be a "John Hughes baby" lol...even though I did have a 3.3 and was in the bottom half of my class.....

Update
 

From today's Chicago Tribune...

5 juniors suspended over hazing
Students refused to sign waiver

By Courtney Flynn and Lisa Black
Tribune staff reporters
Published June 3, 2003

Five teenage girls who were targets of an off-campus hazing led by Glenbrook North High School seniors were suspended from school for nine days after refusing to sign an agreement with the district, officials announced Monday.

The suspensions for the teens, all juniors, began May 23 and will end Thursday, the day before final exams are to begin at the Northbrook school, according to school officials.




During a news conference Monday, a lawyer for three of the suspended juniors complained that his clients were treated more harshly than the senior girls who kicked, punched and showered them with filth during the May 4 incident.

"The school has placed a gun against the head of each junior and said, `If you don't give up these rights, we will suspend you and keep it on your permanent record,'" said Rollin Soskin, whose clients refused to sign a waiver that would have ended their suspensions.

The three teenagers--Lauren Wilner, Marina Fonarev and Cheryl Daley, all 17--were shaken and tearful during the news conference, arguing that they should not have to sign the district's agreement.

"There's no reason to admit we did something wrong when we were victims in this," said Daley, who received 10 stitches in her scalp after being struck on the head.

Fonarev added: "I no longer feel that the school is doing everything that they should or can to help me. Instead they're punishing me for doing nothing."

Two mothers also defended their daughters' decision not to sign the waivers.

Administrators for Northfield Township High School District 225 already have expelled 31 seniors--and are seeking to expel three more--for participating in the hazing. The incident sent five junior girls to the hospital and was videotaped by spectators. In exchange for being allowed to graduate on time with their grades intact, 28 of those seniors signed waivers in which they accepted expulsion and agreed to counseling and community service.

The school district then took steps to suspend 20 juniors for violating an Illinois School Code that prohibits students from becoming "a member of any school fraternity, sorority or secret society."

Some of the juniors have said they signed up for what was ostensibly to be a powder-puff football game, paying between $30 and $40 for a numbered jersey and beer.

Fifteen juniors signed the waiver, which allows them to forgo suspension but requires counseling and prohibits them from profiting off their experience, according to a statement released by the district Monday.

Those who declined to sign the waiver, however, will receive no credit for academic work during the nine-day suspension. The students may appeal the suspensions.

About 100 students, alumni and other unidentified people attended the hazing in Chipilly Woods, near Northbrook. Fifteen of the seniors also face criminal charges for their involvement, and two parents are charged with providing kegs of beer and a place to drink.


Copyright © 2003, Chicago Tribune

Re: Update
 

Interesting.

What fraternity, sorority or secret society was that? Is there some ongoing thing that comes out of this?

I know this will be open to debate, but I agree that there should be some punishment for the Juniors. After all, they did PAY for jerseys and beer (underage) and to participate in an event that had been banned by the school.

It's easy to overlook that when you see the tape and consider the injuries.

Another Update
 

I can't find a link to this story, but last night the local news reported that one of the boys, who was charged with battery and minor in possession of alcohol, is currently on probation for reckless driving. He crushed a girl between his car and her garage door and then refused to call 911. She was in intensive care for several days. The girl now attends evening school.

I think this guy needs to spend some time in jail...

Re: Re: Update
 

I think the school's position is that the secret society is being part of this group that participates in the powder puff game. You have to be a powder puff victim as a junior to get to be a powder puff aggressor as a senior.

Re: Re: Re: Update
 

I was thinking the same thing. And since not *every* junior/senior girl participated (at least to my knowledge) that kind of makes it exclusive? :confused: And I think someone mentioned earlier that you have to be "invited" to participate.

Granted, I'm sure the other juniors/seniors who did not partake in the events aren't upset over not being selected to 'play'.

It seems that the junior girl are being punished as harshly as the senior. I thought that if the juniors had pig intestines, urine, and feces thrown on them as they begged and cried for help, they were victims. This punishment doesn't seem right. It sounds like the school is 'blaming the victims' for this crime. I think that these girls have been victimized again.

don't you just love the mentality of rich spoiled kids? i wish my kid would think like that...fool would find a boot shoved up their ass. forget the belt.

Re: Re: News from Federal Court
 

Stupid post. The judge ruled against the students.

Re: Re: Re: News from Federal Court
 

how is it stupid? because their punishment didn't fit the crime? or is it because they're trying to say "kids will be kids, they make mistakes." right, dumping doo-doo on someone is just a "mistake." that's what is stupid about this whole matter.

Re: Re: Re: Re: News from Federal Court
 

The context of the judge's remarks...this judgement was related to the civil suit to force the school to rescind the suspensions. After the judge ruled against the student, he advised her attorney to drop the matter. He basically indicated that focusing her energy on fighting her punishment would be more detrimental to her future than the expulsion would be. I don't think he was minimizing the seriousness of the event, just putting in context of the rest of her life. Not going to graduation won't ruin it, but not accepting the consequences for her behavior might...

The 15 students charged with battery will have their day in court on June 11. That will be the opportunity to see if these kids get treated any better or worse than kids who are less well off. At least one of the students charged has retained a very high powered defense attorney (who usually handles capital cases).

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: News from Federal Court
 

well, we'll see how that goes then. we'll see if this is another case of the spoiled rich kid getting off because of a legal matter.

Re: Re: Re: Re: News from Federal Court
 

It is stupid because the judge did exactly what you wanted him to do and you are still complaining. He ruled against the plaintiff and allowed the school to expell the plaintiff. A number of the students also face charges from Cook County. Now what did you expect the judge to do? Strap the plaintiff in an electric chair without a trial?

The students haven't gotten away with anything. You are confusing them with OJ.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: News from Federal Court
 

no, actually....what i wanted is that this kid be brought up on charges of assault. expulsion is all fine and dandy....if you do something such as cheating on a test. community service and not being able to walk at commencement is an OK punishment? nah...that line of thinking is stupid. the fact that this matter is even a debate is stupid. put this in a low income neighborhood and this would have never made the news....they would just get thrown in jail for assault. but if that's what's going to happen...fine, let the punishment fit the crime. and what the hell does OJ have to do with anything?

Re: Re: News from Federal Court
 

I know several white kids who "make mistakes" and have definitly paid for them with jail time.

Hindi lahat ay tungkol sa kulay.......

Re: Re: Re: News from Federal Court
 

i'm so mad at you dude, i can't understand a damn word of tagalog. unless it's putang ina mo (is that how you spell it?). but anyhow, i know some white kids who pay for their mistakes with jail times too. i'm not even arguing the fact.

Hey man, I can BARELY speak it...my parents combined can speak Tagalog, Ilocano, Pangasinan, and Zambal (sp?)...and they never spoke a word of it to me as a child.

the only words they spoke to me were the curse words (my dad speaks visayan, because he's from leyte). usually the words are followed by a smack on the head. i have this aunt who knows i can't speak it, but still tries to engage in convo with me. i mean, seriously.

LMAO You too eh?

Heh...putang ina mo, huh?

I watch TFC too. :D

is that how it's spelled? my question is, why is there always a parental advisory on every single show on there? even the "sharon" shows?

There was a pretty fluffy article on this in People...I did not feel bad for the two juniors who decided to be featured.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: News from Federal Court
 

Hey Genius. 15 students and 2 parents were charged.


Should your fraternity be expelled and charged with hazing? Aren't you the same guy that is always talking about the benefits of hazing and earning your letters? You have admitted to hazing in the past and you even said GLOs that don't haze are just clubs.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: News from Federal Court
 

with what? giving kids alcohol or assault? a misdemeanor or felony? kinda like that one kid who pinned his girl to the garage with his jeep and only got reckless driving. this wouldn't even be a debate, nor would this bullshit be on the news if this was in a low income neighborhood. or are you too stupid to see that? do you even understand the point of my original statement? you have the same kind of mentality these piss poor parents have, hey..they're kids, they make mistakes. "it's not like we killed any of them." sounds like a product of good parenting, huh?

oh yeah, and i also said that if you don't earn you letter and have them given to you, then you're just a club. why not learn to read before you run your mouth. it's not my fault that you like things given to you instead of working for them. but that's neither here nor there. i guess that's the same line of thinking those moronic parents have. oh yeah, and when chapters get caught hazing their pledge...yeah they get kicked off the campus i.e. expelled. not like the "majority" frats who just get suspended but can still throw parties when they boys die of alcohol poisoning.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: News from Federal Court
 

You are right, if this was a low income neighborhood it wouldn't have made the news. The reporters are already too busy covering the murders, rapes and drive byes in the low income neighborhoods.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: News from Federal Court
 

actually, they're wasting their time with bullshit such as this.

That was SO unnecessary.

isn't ignorance grand?

LOL!! :)

There is criminal behavior in every community committed by people of all ages, colors, races, education level, and economic classes. I think that this particular case has been so newsworthy because there is a videotape. If it bleeds, it leads. It is visual and vicious. Additionally, there is the upper class component. These are rich kids who go to a good highschool, so they ought to know better. That is what a lot of people think, and it bother me. No particular class or race has a monopoly on morality and decency and character. If you induldge children and don't correct them when they behave poorly, criminal behavior can be the result. It doesn't matter the race or class.

My thoughts exactly.