<p>I think a good argument could also be made that this isn't just news because it's another scandal; it's also a man-bites-dog story, reflecting an exception to the public's (very positive) assumptions about kids at the service academies. In other words, 28 kids cheating at Southeast State U wouldn't make the news because the public doesn't expect greatness out of those kids.</p>
<p>Mostly, though, I think it's an interesting story because of the academy reaction. I mean, other than closing its doors altogether, locking down the entire campus is about the most drastic response the school could take. It's interesting to hear about a school taking cheating so seriously that it doesn't just punish the cheaters -- and those who tolerated cheating -- but also decides to deliver an impossible-to-ignore reminder to the entire student body.</p>
<p>My son was sitting in class the other day, when his fellow seniors were signing up for a field trip to see the local junior college. When my son passed on the sign up sheet, on his classmates said, and I quote, "Only the cool kids get to go!" </p>
<p>Another classmate spoke up and said, "He doesn't need to go. He already got into a better school (service academy) than we could ever hope for."</p>
<p>Even better nurseypoo, is if your son's high school has a scholarship awards evening like my son's school. All these kids getting $500-2500 scholarships and getting ever bigger rounds of applause as the amounts go higher. Then my son's ALO gets up (very noticeable as he is in uniform) and presents my son with an his appointment certificate - and then announces that my son also got an AFROTC scholarship. Afterward, as pictures were being taken, he said he didn't have the heart to mention any dollar figures -as the ROTC scholarship figure alone would have overshadowed any of the other recipients. He said that the AFA education was been valued at something over $300K - which your son will most likely tell you is being paid back a nickle at a time while he's at the Zoo.</p>
<p>Like I said, it's hard to keep your pride in-check - even when another parent is bragging on their son/daughter attending Harvard/Yale. That's why it has been great attending all the Parents Weekends where we can deflate a little.</p>
<p>lol, ya, we had one of those at my school. There were 3 of us going SA, one to each. Each ALO announced their respective amounts, mine being last. More and more applause as each went from something like 275k for Navy, 350k for Army, then 375k for AFA. We made up about 2/3 of the total money our class earned (1.5 million).</p>
<p>Wow, three thats alot. For my highschool, I know I'll be the first in 8 years.(Annapolis was the last). But my highschool's college culture is pretty different then yours I'm sure.</p>
<p>I was the first in about 15 years at my school. My ALO made a presentation. He announced the value. I was almost embarrased about it, until I noticed one of my friends mouth "Oh, ****!"...I almost started laughing.</p>
<p>I don't know. I think it is ok to take a bit of pride in being accepted, because most people will loose that prideful, "on top of the world" feeling when they get here. It is good to get that gut check, and realize that you are not as HS as everyone told you. Reality checks can be great learning experiences.</p>
<p>yes cadets cheated, and they are wrong. i just find it fascinating that everyone gets worked up about it when it happens at usafa. i agree thats its a big deal because cadets are held to a much higher standard. but cheating at normal universities occurs daily, on much alrger scales. people just don't care there</p>