To the editor:
I have recently had the opportunity to attend a number of Central Catholic boys' varsity hockey games, following their loss in the Super 8 playoffs and their final loss to Arlington Catholic in the Division 1 North Semifinals. What an outstanding group of young men with a remarkable 15 wins, six losses, and three ties this season!
Being an alumna of St. Mary/Central Catholic High School, I know the difference a private school education can make. We all take that fact into consideration when we choose to send our children to private schools. But there's a part of this education that needs a second look.
Having been an educator for the past 37 years in both private and public schools, I know the importance that encouragement and support play, both in and outside of the classroom. These young men have been playing their hearts out in the rink, game after game, with a few student voices encouraging them, but mostly heard were the shouts and whistles of the parents who have been there to support their children since they were "Mites and Squirts." Kids do hear their parents' voices and whistles, but we all know how powerful the approval of one's peers can be. Congratulations to the Winchester, Acton, Boxborough, Arlington Catholic, and Burlington fans, to mention a few, who screamed and applauded their teams, win or lose.
What is being done in these schools that Central is not doing to encourage participation at hockey games? The lack of student support at Central's games was obvious and sad. I haven't been to any of Central's basketball games, but after speaking to a few parents, I was told that the opposite scenario applied to their games.
Creating a cheering squad doesn't have to be a school expense. We all know how the budget is always the deciding factor in matters such as this. I'm sure that there are plenty of students who would love to participate in an organized cheering squad for their remarkable hockey team. Friday's front page article on the "Green Man" is a perfect example of this letter's intent. Maybe next year, Green Man could find his way into the rink.
I am also disappointed in Central's and The Eagle-Tribune's decision to insert the "Go Raiders" banner in the Thursday, March 4 publication. Central Catholic's hockey team played Wednesday evening! If this was solely meant for Central's basketball teams, then Central Catholic and The Eagle-Tribune need to join in and support all the teams in a more timely fashion.
Congratulations to all the remarkable Central Catholic hockey players and their more than supportive and loving parents whose pride in their teams make them outstanding advocates in continuing to promote Central Catholic as a top educational establishment.
JACQUELINE RONSIVALLI
North Andover
