Dear Editor: Why Aren't We Celebrating?

Dear Editor,

Criticism, by its very nature, reflects the individual who is criticizing. An individual's response to criticism is also self-reflective. In my humble opinion, Superintendent Nieskens and Principal Jason Slater are modeling an extremely inappropriate response to the criticism they have received over their censure of the play "I Don't Want To Talk About It". They are modeling it to the very students they have been given the privilege to educate and as paid representatives of our school community.

In what other community does a winning team and its coach get their program cut - especially when that program operates within its budget with money to spare? On the small island town where I lived previously when a coach and her team returned from a state competition as champions, they were usually met at the ferry terminal by the fire department and at least one sheriff's vehicle and then escorted up Main Street with lights flashing and sirens sounding. They were CELEBRATED!!! Yes, I am aware that the students attended the Thespian Festival as Whitehall Community members rather than as Whitehall students since the superintendent and principal refused to sanction this production as a school event. I wonder if either of these adults has had the grace to put aside their grievances and congratulate these young adults on their exceedingly fine performance. It saddens me to say I doubt it. Perhaps they have even attempted to use these students as pawns to legitimize their grievances. We may never know because many conversations were conducted behind closed doors without a parent/guardian or representation present.

Suppose your only source of information regarding "I Don't Want To Talk About It" is the interview between Aaron Flint of the Montana Talks radio show and podcast, Superintendent Hannah Nieskens, and High School Principal Jason Slater. In that case, you may believe some "facts" that are blatantly untrue. The play was not "pushed" on underage students. Each participating student was there by choice and with the permission of a parent or guardian. If the superintendent and principal had reviewed the play promptly, there would be no issue because Mrs. Pullman would have selected a different play to perform.

As to it being "WOKE," well, the play is about teens and the problems they encounter (sometimes daily) in and out of school. Because adults may be unaware of said issues - remember the title is "I Don't Want To Talk About It" - teens way too frequently make heartbreaking choices on how they solve their problem(s) with devastating and permanent outcomes for all. We can not afford to be "ASLEEP" or turn a blind eye to the issues facing teens today, which may lead them to choose suicide.

Fortunately, you have two opportunities to see our young thespians perform and simultaneously form your own opinion about the merits of this play. Please come to the Star Theatre this Saturday and/or Sunday, February 15th and 16th at 1 PM. If you do not feel you have an extra $5.00 now, please note that some generous Whitehall citizens have contributed to a fund so you can attend for free while the fund lasts. Request a complimentary ticket at the theatre, and you will be admitted. PLEASE attend this play. You will be supporting our local youth and you might save a life.

Respectfully,

DORIE WESTHOVEN

Whitehall, Montana