Daily Breeze
Thursday Letters to the Editor
Staff Writer
Posted: 06/24/2009 04:31:06 PM PDT
POLA graduation merited story
I am writing to express my disappointment that the Daily Breeze neglected to publish a story about the Port of Los Angeles High School's inaugural graduation.
On June 12, 89 students - 86 of whom are college-bound - became the first class ever to graduate from the school. With small class sizes, unique class offerings and a comprehensive maritime studies curriculum, POLA High School has broken new ground and set an important new standard for charter schools throughout the region.
While the Breeze clearly felt that the event was worthy enough to dispatch a photographer - who captured it beautifully - for some reason, the event was not written about in the paper. I think that's unfortunate, particularly during a period when we are all in need of uplifting stories that reinforce what is working in our communities.
The San Pedro community was instrumental in making the school a reality. At a time when our education system faces such enormous challenges, it is inspiring to see faculty, administrators, teachers, parents and students turn their backs on the status quo and take a chance on a new approach to education. I realize that the Breeze cannot cover every graduation in the South Bay, but this was a historic moment for this school and its graduates, and deserved a little more attention from the leading local newspaper.
- Janice Hahn
City Councilwoman, 15th District
Los Angeles
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