Event didn't nurture confidence

Family, friends and community came together Saturday night, April 1, for a gala event to raise money to feed the hungry. It was lovely and knowing that we were supporting a good cause was very uplifting.

Sadly, that feeling quickly diminished when the participants in the show were subjected to being ranked from last to first place! What is the point of that? After first, second and third there is no benefit! It only serves to demoralize their self-esteem and hurt their feelings! Regardless of age, people should be built up, not made to feel ashamed of their abilities. That is not the message we want to convey, especially to impressionable young children!

Even though a very astute 12-year-old reminded me, “It’s not about winning trophies. It’s about feeding the hungry,” I can’t help but voice my opinion as an educator and a parent. It is our obligation to nurture the confidence of a child!