There has been a lot of negative attention focused on schools from time to time. As a student at Lisbon High School, it bothers me when something is published about a school, because it usually shows the school unfavorably. I know, firsthand, that is not always the case. A great many positive things are being done in schools, as well.

For example: in Lisbon, the students of one English 11 honors class are posting their work for a national audience. Their project, “Letters to the Next President,” is sponsored by the National Writing Project and allows students from all across the United States to post letters addressed to the presidential candidates, alongside the work of other young people. That is quite the opportunity for such a small group of students.

Students at Lisbon High School are also engaged in many different independent studies each year. The enrolled students are highly self-motivated and focused as they do the majority of their learning away from a teacher. Students take the diverse independent studies to fit their needs and wants as a student, usually straying from the course book.

A wide variety of community service is also done by Lisbon High School students, including picking apples, food drives, and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.

As a student involved in all the aforementioned activities, I wish the community knew what opportunities high school students get beyond the strict learning environment.

Maegan Dupre, Lisbon