We hear it in the hallways every day. We hear that we are nothing, that we are worthless. We hear how terrible our education is, how we will be swallowed whole by today’s workforce — a new batch of failures for America’s future. We are made to feel like underdogs, but as one of the top high schools in north Alabama, the facts argue otherwise. The local media response to the fight that happened earlier today was explosive. Words such as “brawl” and “riot” were used, but in all actuality, it was an average high school fight. Three students do not create a riot. Yes, the students were handcuffed, but that is standard procedure. Local news stations turning this into a media-worthy event only adds to the growing negative image of our great school. Fights happen in all high schools, and Sparkman is no different. Comments from outsiders range from, “How ridiculous,” to “This is why we need a new high school. Stay classy.” What good would that new high school do? The money that could be used to create an even better environment for us will just be used to create an equally resented new building. Here at Sparkman, we are a family. Sometimes families fight, but that does not mean that we do not still love each other. The name of Sparkman is something to be praised. Senators, international basketball players and political leaders have been created here. We are a great school. We have top-notch academics, extra-curricular activities and faculty. Media attention should be focused on the massive blood drive we just held or the walk we hosted to support breast cancer research. Teachers and students are selectively chosen for prestigious national honors, and our teams are national champions. If a student loses their family or their home, we help them get back on their feet. We support each other; we stick together. This is not just any school. We are Sparkman and we want the world to know.