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2001-02
archive
2001-02
archive
2001-02
archive
2001-02
archive
2001-02
archive
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PHOTO/CAITLIN LIDDLE Questioning Character
Anervous freshman walks into the high school for the first time and feels welcomed by a banner with the words "Grateful: 2 Be Appreciative" scrawled across it. A bewildered sophomore from India learns about American traditions while making friends at a Thanksgiving feast for international students. Students anonymously support each other by posting bear paws in recognition of students' good deeds around the school. The entire school unites in a Gold Out created to support Sept. 11 victims. What is behind all of these random acts of empathy and benevolence? A student group named the Character Enrichment Team. A rotary-affiliated group, CET began eight years ago as an ethics team to support Upper Arlington's then-new Pillars of Ethical Behavior, four-year CET adviser Erin Mayne said. "[CET] is a group of kids who try to instill positive influences throughout the school," Mayne said. "[They] make the atmosphere of the high school better." CET led an array of activities ranging from the annual new student luncheon and Thanksgiving Feast to Gold Outs, words of the quarter, a dance marathon and International Day. Junior Sybil Stadelman said CET's projects make the school a fun place. "It seems like they give the school spirit," Stadelman said. "You see those posters around the school, and it makes you happy to be here." This year's members include seniors Katherine Backes, Sara Jo Christie, JC Conover and Ross Mangum; juniors Eammon Bahnson, Callie Crosby and Geoff Gatts; and sophomores Braedon Dennis and Sarah Poe. Membership in the group is determined by the existing members, who select freshmen for CET each year. Mayne said no concrete requirements exist, but CET does look for students who possess certain qualities, such as 'integrity, a solid moral character and value base, an consistently positive life choices.' Above all, Mayne said, CET seeks students who are appreciated and respected by their peers. Senior Justin Taylor said he does not approve of CET's membership policies and club activities. "[CET] does more harm than good," he said. "It's like saying 'Yeah, those kids that got their name up [on a bear paw on the wall] are liked [by their peers], but no one else is.'" Stadelman said while she was impressed with the club's activities, she is skeptical of the membership process. Bahnson said he is not sure why he was chosen for the club. "I have no idea why I was selected," Bahnson said. "I guess it's because [Mangum] knew me from soccer." Bahnson was not alone. Crosby, Gatts and Poe said they could not think of a specific reason for being asked to join CET; however, all had one thing in common: they all knew students already in the club from a sports team. While not everyone can be a member, Mayne said, all students can become involved. "Some kids help us with every project we do, and that's great," Mayne said. "Anyone can help, they just can't be an official member." Crosby said CET members put in much effort with little recognition and thinks not many students would work so hard for so little rewards. "We're more of a behind-the-scenes group," Crosby said. "We don't try to get credit." Gatts said he understands why CET is selective, but he said he wishes anyone could join. "It would be nice if more people could get involved," he said. "Maybe kids could apply or interview, so more kids could help while maintaining the small size of the group." Junior David Kormanik said the fact that students have to be selected to join CET promotes exclusivity. "I think the name Character Enrichment is contradictory, because the club isn't inclusive," he said. "How can that enrich character? It only makes people feel worse." |
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