It’s clear that our country has a self-esteem problem. Where else are trophies given out simply for participating or honor societies developed for the mediocre?  New York Times reporter Winnie Hu traveled out to Commack, NY, near my hometown on Long Island, to examine the ever-expanding phenomenon of honor societies in High Schools.  While I understand the importance and need for a “pat on the back,” is it really an honor if everyone is a member?

These patronizing recognitions exist for two reasons: it acts as a resume builder for college and a measure to ensure kids don’t feel excluded.  In the increasingly competitive market for college admission, is quantity valued over quality?  Harvard University’s Dean of Admissions, William Fitzsimmons, notes, “It’s very difficult to know with so many different honor societies and so many different criteria, what exactly we have in front of us.”  Perhaps this notion of honoring everyone is beginning to backfire.

Unfortunately, the prospect for change looks grim as long as we have a system that values what kids can do as opposed to who they are.  Kids will continue to jump through the necessary hoops in order to get the grade necessary to get into the honor society that will hopefully gain them admission into their top choice university.  I should know…I did it ten years ago.

With the current status quo, are we really preparing leaders for tomorrow?