Laurel: To class. You rarely see the word "class" in the same sentence as the phrase "high school athletics," unless it's preceded by the words "skipped" or "flunked." Nothing could be further from the truth for everyone involved in the Valley High School girls softball banquet. They demonstrated oodles of class. The organizers took a bad situation -- the girls' undefeated season ended sourly on an umpire's call -- and turned it into a life lesson on sportsmanship.
They invited the umpire to the banquet and he was the main speaker. A potentially ugly situation became a lovefest. Our applause to the organizers, coaches, players and everyone else involved.
On the "Watch List": The Kiski Area School District. We're glad the board has formed an advisory committee of citizens and district officials to consider options for a building project for the elementary schools. But someone needs to read the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act regarding the committee's meetings. District policy states advisory committee meetings "shall not be open to the public." The Sunshine Act disagrees and trumps district policy. Regardless, why shouldn't taxpayers be privy to the same information as the committee⢠Why shouldn't the public hear from the committee members before a recommendation is issued?
Lance: To fireworks and alcohol. They don't mix. Have a beer and watch a professional display.
Laurel: To the Community College of Allegheny County. For the second consecutive year, CCAC will not increase tuition. Perhaps Penn State, Pitt and state university administrators should give CCAC a call and ask how it performs this miracle.
