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No ‘do-overs’ exist in real-life situations

High school is supposed to prepare young adults for their future as adults — whether it’s time to further their ambitions in college or enter into the workforce after graduation. Though plenty of people would love to have a do-over for aspects of their life that didn’t go as planned, it’s not a realistic expectation.

A measure introduced by Sen. Andrew Brenner, R-Delaware, and Sen. Teresa Fedor, D-Toledo, would give students who just finished their senior year a chance to re-do the whole year over again to their liking — get their grades up and get another round of eligibility for sports. Senate Bill 200 is in a Senate committee.

The House also is looking at a similar bill, sponsored by Reps. Dontavius Jarrells, D-Columbus, and Brett Hillyer, R-Uhrichsville, to allow students to repeat courses and pursue athletics for another year.

Everyone was affected by the pandemic, including students of all ages. It is a fact of life that things do not always go the way we might plan. Our 2020 seniors and 2021 seniors learned that first-hand. They also learned a valuable lesson in adjusting to the perils life throws at all of us — overcoming obstacles to what they want and that life is not always fair. There are no second chances, no re-dos, so make the best decisions you can in the moment.

Ohio High School Athletic Association officials are not in favor of the proposed legislation. In a statement to the Associated Press, the organization said “the impact of older athletes competing at the high school level should be considered” and also noted nearly all OHSAA member schools DID compete in every sport during the 2020-21 school year. Sports were not missed; they just looked a little different.

Lawmakers have tried time and again this year to claw control away from communities and local governments. The Ohio School Boards Association told the Associated Press it believes this is such a case, and that decisions should be made by local school boards, not forced on them by legislation. Its deputy director of legislative services cited the disruption to staffing, class schedules and transportation routes as possible issues that would arise, and mentioned concerns about bumping students who would have otherwise received their turn to play sports to make way for those who want a do-over.

Graduates of 2020 and 2021 should be looking toward their promising future, not their past.

editorial@vindy.com

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