Editorial--Sebastian Chapa

Where do I start? Merit is hands-down the best school I’ve ever attended. At every other school, I’d wake up with a pain in my heart. A sickening feeling of “I have to go to school today” would overwhelm my soul. While at school, I could tell you the exact date and time ALWAYS…but here at Merit I have trouble telling you when Friday is! I’ve never been so enthusiastic about my educational experience, and I’ve never had a school so enthusiastic about my educational success.
First of all, Merit cares. I’ve never been in a school where every faculty member cared so deeply. Teachers teach because they love teaching (and are even ALLOWED to do so because of the love and dedication Dr. Baltes took in making sure he had the best staff possible for his outstanding school) and put forth every effort to help students succeed.
Second of all, there are no “cliques” at Merit. I have never been a part of such unity within a school. Everybody knows everyone else, and nobody is afraid to talk to anyone. The student body is very accepting of fellow students (old AND new), and very rarely are there problems. A lot of this can be attributed to the dress code, which greatly reduces the tendency to judge fellow students based on the typical clothes, jewelry, etc.
Lastly, Merit’s attitude is just different and superior. Dedicated students and dedicated faculty members and just about the coolest principal you can find all attest to this. I’ve never seen such motivation, such drive, such innate positivity. Everyone loves everyone else, and school is something we all can look forward to every day.
Despite the fact that Merit had no building this year, students bonded with each other and each teacher shined new lights within everyone’s lives. I will never forget the experience Merit has given me, and it will stand out in my mind as the best school I’ve ever been lucky enough to attend.