Walton Co. School Board Meets about Blithe Spirit!!

[DistinctlyLucid]

I am a senior at SoWal High School, and a very large portion of my friends are involved with the Drama department. Not only have I witnessed the distress it has caused my friends, but I also know how this feels.

Personally, I think that the most ridiculous part about the entire ordeal is that the church isn't even in the Walton County district. For them to have a say in Walton County schooling is a bit far-fetched. It would almost amount to the equivalent of a group traveling from SoWal and protesting something in a school in Pensacola. I know, the distance is greater, but the concept remains the same.

I hope the meeting tomorrow has a fantastic turnout, as I won't be able to attend. :[

 

[Kase626]

Thank you for all of your encouraging words. I appreciate them more than you know.

I attended Ft. Walton High's production of "To Kill A Mockingbird" tonight. They have also challenged and received a great deal of controversy concerning the "n-word." Thankfully, they prevailed, and their play was MAGNIFICENT. Also, Mrs. Whittaker, the director of FWHS's drama department made a speech before the play thanking everyone for their support in the time of need, and then made mention of our school's dilemma. She then kindly asked us to stand, and applauded us.

At intermission, Mr. Goodrum, my three castmates and I were swarmed with questions about the situation and requests to help out in any way possible. I was so impressed with the amount of concern we received from residents of a different county. Hopefully, this amount is matched here in SoWal.

I encountered Mrs. Whittaker on my way out after curtain call, and after I congratulated her on a great opening night, she demanded me to stay strong, and make sure that our voices were heard, no matter what.

I intend to do that.

 

[DuneAHH]

Thank you for all of your encouraging words. I appreciate them more than you know.

I attended Ft. Walton High's production of "To Kill A Mockingbird" tonight. They have also challenged and received a great deal of controversy concerning the "n-word." Thankfully, they prevailed, and their play was MAGNIFICENT. Also, Mrs. Whittaker, the director of FWHS's drama department made a speech before the play thanking everyone for their support in the time of need, and then made mention of our school's dilemma. She then kindly asked us to stand, and applauded us.

At intermission, Mr. Goodrum, my three castmates and I were swarmed with questions about the situation and requests to help out in any way possible. I was so impressed with the amount of concern we received from residents of a different county. Hopefully, this amount is matched here in SoWal.

I encountered Mrs. Whittaker on my way out after curtain call, and after I congratulated her on a great opening night, she demanded me to stay strong, and make sure that our voices were heard, no matter what.

I intend to do that.

Kase! Were y'all able to convince the FWHS cast to attend SWHS meeting tomorrow??

 

[Kase626]

I asked, but they have a show tomorrow, so they can't make it.

But I tried.

 

[truethespian09]

However, the church is very involved in SoWal. The pastor's son attendeds swhs and attends the football games all the time. There are also students that attend swhs that go to that church and i am one of them. Now this whole thing is more on the role of tolerance. Yet prayer and religion can be taken out of schools even though this country was founded on christian beliefs, in god we trust is plastered across currency and government documents, and even the senate and house of reps pray before their meetings. To continue, we can put plays in our school system that are contrary to a majority of religions even though that it is just fiction and acting and yes you may consider it to be ridiculous and that parents are just sheltering their kids from the real world but if we allowed prayer and relgion in the schools then i dont see a problem with the play because it is classic that discusses real issues that are in the real world. Thus if there is going to tolerance for one thing then there must be tolerant of everything. Another thing that baffles me is why we were not a allowded to do grease but we were allowed to do blithe spirit...i think the majority of this problem falls on the administration as well as in the drama department itself. But i know i will be at that meeting fighting for what i believe in just as everyone else has the right to so there is no reason to chop someones head off for expressing their oppions and beliefs...im just saying.

 

[Kase626]

But if anyone gets a chance, DEFINITELY go see their show. It's amazing.
Their show dates are Nov. 14-16 at 7pm, and Nov. 17 at 2pm & 7pm. Tickets are $7 for adults, and $5 for kids and seniors.

It's a classic story, and it's wonderfully performed by an awesome cast. They went through the same battle we're fighting right now, so if you have time, please go support them as well. You won't regret it.

 

[CircuitVulture]

What Im really upset about it that everyone who is protesting against the play has not even READ the play. The one who filed the complaint had not even read the script beforehand, and was only going on what was explained to him. I have also been told that some members of the protesting church have not even taken the time to read the petition, so Im sure that most have not even heard of the play nonetheless read it.

 

[truethespian09]

until you have gone to the church, you do not know what we know and how do you know that the people have not read the play...you dont....how do you know the pastor has not read the play...you dont...just for your information the church had a petition that everyone read and could sign if they elected also the pastor explained the problems with the play to the congregation so you have no clue about what is going on at the church until you have attended it...also the church get the majority of their info from people inside of SoWal high school...and what is so amazing people you did not care a darn thing about drama before are now stepping up to defend it...whats the deal

 

[Kase626]

I think that is VERY unfair. We all care a great deal about drama, no matter how we show it.

And the individual who filed the complaint admitted to the Principal and Mr. Goodrum that he had not read the play before filing the complaint.

 

[manchellouch]

Most who know me, understand that my thoughts on things that are considered by some people in the Christian community to be ?favored by the enemy.? However, those of you who do not know me well here is an abridged version.
As a youth minister I have braved picket lines with my fellow ministers to see Harry Potter on opening day, I have used movies from Pulp Fiction to Constantine to teach Sunday school, I have lead bible studies based around Eminem albums. And I play D&D.
As a Christian minister, I take to heart the teaching of Paul on Mars Hill when he used the poetry and teachings of the Roman people to spread the gospel of Jesus.
Movies, plays, music, or any form of media with ?edgy? or ?bad? or ?evil? content can be used as a teaching tool. I see no greater way to defeat an enemy that turning their weapons against them.
Therefore, I will be at the meeting as Minster.
Supporting my youth.