By Rhema Cail

GALWAY–The right to go to Chuck’s has been a big controversy between students and the Galway Board of Education. The junior class has been the most upset because they were the first class this new rule effected. I spoke to numerous students about this topic.

Connor Alvord, a 9^th grade student, says, “There really isn’t enough room in the cafeteria and it’s not fair that juniors have a lack of freedom.”

Stephen Garney, an 11^th grade student, commented, “Do we want to be viewed as radical teens or the intelligent young adults that we are?”

Most interestingly, students didn’t seem completely aggravated about not being allowed to go to Chuck’s.  Students seemed to be more upset about the level of distrust between students and the Board.  They deserve to be seen as residents, students, and equals of Galway.

Jeremy Kitchen, an 11^th grade student replies “It’s our right.” The privilege of Chuck’s has always been something students could look forward to, a sign that they are growing up.  They are trying to let their voices be heard.

A famous activist once said, “When asked by an anthropologist what Indians called America before the white man came, an Indian said simply, ‘Ours.'”  To us, having the right to go to Chuck’s was “Our” right. The school is a part-time home for most of us, and it is “Our” home. And we want “Our” words to be taken seriously into consideration.

The students have started a group to bring back the Chuck’s privilege to discuss ideas of how they can be heard. The more I listened everyone’s opinion, I noticed how mature and diligent my classmates are. It was inspiring to see so many people ready to work together to make a change in their school. We are not here to disrupt, disturb, or even criticize the school board. We are just people, ready to let everyone know what we deserve, ready to make this change together.

What do you think? Leave a comment below…

(Photo by Melissa Wemple)