Hey, Let's rename Boulder High after Obama!!

[Danno 1,228]

Just when you think all the youth are "Drinkin the Kool-aid" they prove it was mostly hype.

Boulder High students back off Obama name change

Student council said it would oppose proposal

http://www.coloradodaily.com/news/2009/feb...ma-name-change/

By Vanessa Miller

Thursday, February 12, 2009

BOULDER, Colo. — When representatives of a Boulder High student activist group arrived at school Thursday, they were greeted with angry opposition to their proposal to rename the building after President Barack Obama.

Many of the activists’ peers wore Boulder High gear, made posters calling for an end to the Student Worker group, and mocked the notion of a Barack Obama High. By the time of an afternoon news conference, originally called to launch a petition for the name change, Student Worker President Ben Raderstorf had dropped the proposal.

“We have realized that we made a gross error in our understanding of the significance of the Boulder High School name,” Raderstorf said to a classroom packed with TV cameras, teachers, students and community members.

Many students said they learned about the proposal on the social networking Web site Facebook, where several people organized an impromptu spirit day Thursday. One of the Facebook pages titled, “Do NOT change the name of Boulder High School to ‘Barack Obama High,’” had nearly 600 members.

“It is ridiculous to throw away over 100 years of tradition simply because of Obama-mania,” the group’s organizer wrote.

Students chastised the student workers all Thursday — although Raderstorf said he doesn’t believe any of the “threats” were legitimate. He wouldn’t elaborate on what threats he meant.

Conversations in every corner of the school could be overheard rejecting the name change, students said.

“Barack Obama High — that’s whack,” one student said to another after class.

At the news conference, student council representatives said their classmates appreciate Obama’s accomplishments but oppose taking his name.

“We are proud of our school and feel that a name change would diminish the lengthy and rich history of our school,” said Devin Kuh, president of the student body.

Raderstorf said he wanted to curb the conflict before it worsened.

“It’s regrettable,” he said, in announcing his club’s about face. “But the controversy is exactly what we didn’t want to see.”

Although the issue is tabled for now, Raderstorf encouraged future students to revisit the prospect of renaming the school.

And, in response to criticism of Student Worker, Raderstorf said he regrets its controversial history — hinting at a 2007 protest of the morning recital of the Pledge of Allegiance — and vowed change.

“Our group has been somewhat stubborn about its issues, and we want to discontinue that practice today,” he said.

Student Worker member Meagan Mahaffy, 16, said the group might focus on getting composting at their school.

Senior Sara Fleegler, 17, said she didn’t hear about Boulder High’s proposed new name until she went on Facebook late Wednesday.

“I actually like the idea,” she said. “I’m one of the ones who’s all for it.”

Senior Logan Simpson, 17, said the issue was not only a hot topic in the halls but in the classroom.

“All of our teachers were saying it’s ridiculous,” Simpson said.

But the group’s faculty adviser, James Vacca, said he’s impressed by the students’ “fire.”

“Debate is not illegal,” Vacca said.

Raderstorf’s father said he’s proud of his son.

“Certainly it was hard for him to get the negative feedback from his peers,” Scott Raderstorf said. “But he’s taken it well and been very understanding.”

Scripps Lighthouse

Edited February 20, 2009 by Danno

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Shouldn't it be the tax payers who decide?

[DeadPoolX 9]

Shouldn't it be the tax payers who decide?

As far as the government is concerned (local, state or federal) the only thing tax payers are good for is getting taxed.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Who pays for the schools? Parent Teacher Association then?

[Ban Hammer 13,659]

Who pays for the schools? Parent Teacher Association then?

homeowners for one - here it's about $900 a year just on the house property tax.

[Jasman0717 9]

What do kids know

[almaty 19]

Who pays for the schools? Parent Teacher Association then?

homeowners for one - here it's about $900 a year just on the house property tax.

same here...but the school board controls the school policies

[Yoink 7]

could imagine if in 2000 or '04 if a H.S. wanted to change its name to George W. Bush? Give the pres 4 years before doing something like that. He may be a flop.

I went to a H.S. named after a man from over 200 years ago

[Nagishkaw 510]

Who pays for the schools? Parent Teacher Association then?

homeowners for one - here it's about $900 a year just on the house property tax.

Exactly, and I resent it. I never had kids and feel sorry for the poor elderly who have to pay for the schools.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

You know we've turned a corner in society when what gets posted on Facebook becomes the news of the day.

[Danno 1,228]

You know we've turned a corner in society when what gets posted on Facebook becomes the news of the day.

Considering the amount of people who use facebook it's no wonder it's in the news quite a bit.

[Ban Hammer 13,659]

Who pays for the schools? Parent Teacher Association then?

homeowners for one - here it's about $900 a year just on the house property tax.

Exactly, and I resent it. I never had kids and feel sorry for the poor elderly who have to pay for the schools.

although kansas does not do it, texas does: once one of the homeowners reaches a certain age (around 65) their taxes drop to about 1/10 of what they used to be.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

could imagine if in 2000 or '04 if a H.S. wanted to change its name to George W. Bush? Give the pres 4 years before doing something like that. He may be a flop.

I went to a H.S. named after a man from over 200 years ago

What everybody forgot about me already?

Hmm..Maybe they'll name their library after me?

[AlHayatZween 2]

i think it's cool the kids stood up for what they thought was right and actually organized... good for them.

yeah, you can't change the name of the school for a guy who's only been on the job for a month. i like Obama and all, but he's still got a long way to go...

that's like naming your kid, Prudence or Chastity or something and then they grow up and well, sometimes the name doesn't fit like you hoped it would...

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Who pays for the schools? Parent Teacher Association then?

homeowners for one - here it's about $900 a year just on the house property tax.

That's a month in NJ/NY in the tri-state area