While I understand what this article is trying to say, I finished it feeling a little let down about the numerous times PGSS is mentioned in a less than positive light. Many people not familiar with the school could easily reinforce the preconceived opinions about the largest school in our district. PGSS is in fact the most tolerant school that I have ever taught at. Over the years I have watched many students transfer in from other schools and districts simply because their differences, sexual or otherwise, made it impossible to continue at that school. PGSS has a cross-section of students that allows kids to feel wanted. I really feel that most everyone at PGSS can find a group of people to find a place with. I see it everyday; kids painted with Goth black eye-liner, kids with some of the highest marks in the province, high performance athletic students, budding thespians, openly gay students, kid with a combinations of these traits and everything in-between regularly mix and match in the hallway. It's really what makes this school special. There is no doubt that some of Travis Shaw's experiences were bad; this is perhaps a symptom of our culture rather than PGSS in particular. I'm not sure what exactly precipitated to the passing of Kristen Nelson but staff and students are keenly aware that we have lost someone, someone that meant something. This is my fourteenth year teaching at PGSS and without a doubt it is one of the most accepting dynamic schools to be in.
Tiger Thakkar
English and film teacher PGSS
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