Walton Co. School Board Meets about Blithe Spirit!!

Thank you for all of your encouraging words. I appreciate them more than you know.

I attended Ft. Walton High's production of "To Kill A Mockingbird" tonight. They have also challenged and received a great deal of controversy concerning the "n-word." Thankfully, they prevailed, and their play was MAGNIFICENT. Also, Mrs. Whittaker, the director of FWHS's drama department made a speech before the play thanking everyone for their support in the time of need, and then made mention of our school's dilemma. She then kindly asked us to stand, and applauded us.

At intermission, Mr. Goodrum, my three castmates and I were swarmed with questions about the situation and requests to help out in any way possible. I was so impressed with the amount of concern we received from residents of a different county. Hopefully, this amount is matched here in SoWal.

I encountered Mrs. Whittaker on my way out after curtain call, and after I congratulated her on a great opening night, she demanded me to stay strong, and make sure that our voices were heard, no matter what.

I intend to do that.

Thank you for all of your encouraging words. I appreciate them more than you know.

I attended Ft. Walton High's production of "To Kill A Mockingbird" tonight. They have also challenged and received a great deal of controversy concerning the "n-word." Thankfully, they prevailed, and their play was MAGNIFICENT. Also, Mrs. Whittaker, the director of FWHS's drama department made a speech before the play thanking everyone for their support in the time of need, and then made mention of our school's dilemma. She then kindly asked us to stand, and applauded us.

At intermission, Mr. Goodrum, my three castmates and I were swarmed with questions about the situation and requests to help out in any way possible. I was so impressed with the amount of concern we received from residents of a different county. Hopefully, this amount is matched here in SoWal.

I encountered Mrs. Whittaker on my way out after curtain call, and after I congratulated her on a great opening night, she demanded me to stay strong, and make sure that our voices were heard, no matter what.

I intend to do that.

Kase! Were y'all able to convince the FWHS cast to attend SWHS meeting tomorrow??

I asked, but they have a show tomorrow, so they can't make it.

But I tried.

However, the church is very involved in SoWal. The pastor's son attendeds swhs and attends the football games all the time. There are also students that attend swhs that go to that church and i am one of them. Now this whole thing is more on the role of tolerance. Yet prayer and religion can be taken out of schools even though this country was founded on christian beliefs, in god we trust is plastered across currency and government documents, and even the senate and house of reps pray before their meetings. To continue, we can put plays in our school system that are contrary to a majority of religions even though that it is just fiction and acting and yes you may consider it to be ridiculous and that parents are just sheltering their kids from the real world but if we allowed prayer and relgion in the schools then i dont see a problem with the play because it is classic that discusses real issues that are in the real world. Thus if there is going to tolerance for one thing then there must be tolerant of everything. Another thing that baffles me is why we were not a allowded to do grease but we were allowed to do blithe spirit...i think the majority of this problem falls on the administration as well as in the drama department itself. But i know i will be at that meeting fighting for what i believe in just as everyone else has the right to so there is no reason to chop someones head off for expressing their oppions and beliefs...im just saying.

But if anyone gets a chance, DEFINITELY go see their show. It's amazing.
Their show dates are Nov. 14-16 at 7pm, and Nov. 17 at 2pm & 7pm. Tickets are $7 for adults, and $5 for kids and seniors.

It's a classic story, and it's wonderfully performed by an awesome cast. They went through the same battle we're fighting right now, so if you have time, please go support them as well. You won't regret it.

What Im really upset about it that everyone who is protesting against the play has not even READ the play. The one who filed the complaint had not even read the script beforehand, and was only going on what was explained to him. I have also been told that some members of the protesting church have not even taken the time to read the petition, so Im sure that most have not even heard of the play nonetheless read it.

until you have gone to the church, you do not know what we know and how do you know that the people have not read the play...you dont....how do you know the pastor has not read the play...you dont...just for your information the church had a petition that everyone read and could sign if they elected also the pastor explained the problems with the play to the congregation so you have no clue about what is going on at the church until you have attended it...also the church get the majority of their info from people inside of SoWal high school...and what is so amazing people you did not care a darn thing about drama before are now stepping up to defend it...whats the deal

I think that is VERY unfair. We all care a great deal about drama, no matter how we show it.

And the individual who filed the complaint admitted to the Principal and Mr. Goodrum that he had not read the play before filing the complaint.

Most who know me, understand that my thoughts on things that are considered by some people in the Christian community to be ?favored by the enemy.? However, those of you who do not know me well here is an abridged version.
As a youth minister I have braved picket lines with my fellow ministers to see Harry Potter on opening day, I have used movies from Pulp Fiction to Constantine to teach Sunday school, I have lead bible studies based around Eminem albums. And I play D&D.
As a Christian minister, I take to heart the teaching of Paul on Mars Hill when he used the poetry and teachings of the Roman people to spread the gospel of Jesus.
Movies, plays, music, or any form of media with ?edgy? or ?bad? or ?evil? content can be used as a teaching tool. I see no greater way to defeat an enemy that turning their weapons against them.
Therefore, I will be at the meeting as Minster.
Supporting my youth.

Marshall!!

I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for us, and everything you continue to do.

You're definitely awesome.

We did not previously care about drama? I am pretty darn sure that after Mrs. Florko left, that we vowed to continue the drama department she left behind and made sure that her efforts that jumpstarted a fantastic program did not go to waste - even if we did not get a good replacement teacher for her; but we did, thanks Mr. Goodrum! . Not everyone was lucky enough to attend an exclusive performing arts school, or has an extensive experience in amateur plays like SOME people, but I darn sure know that every single SWHS dramaNERD has some love for the art or else they wouldnt be involved as much as they are. Because of our love for the art we were able to make a student family consisting of dramaNERDs that worked hard to put together fantastic shows for the student body and community to enjoy. After everything the drama students have been through, you have no right to claim that no one cares. Besides, if we didnt stand up to defend, we would allow complete strangers to step all over us and take control of a program we worked hard to build a reputation for.

Amen!

to the person that said we are a christian nation, we are a secular nation buddy. Religion has no place in schools, nor government. Religion and Education dont mix, they contradict each other.

I just want to ask if the parents that are protesting where their children have seen movies such as saw or the texas chainsaw massacre, or heck even watched that 70's show.

And yes i have not supported the drama department, but i do fight ignorance and fot the voice of reason.

just my 2 cents

until you have gone to the church, you do not know what we know and how do you...and what is so amazing people you did not care a darn thing about drama before are now stepping up to defend it...whats the deal

truethespian, the use of proper punctuation and basic grammar may help you, and your argument get taken seriously. Without them, you appear to be just another ultraconservative, religious right sheep, regurgitating what's been spouted from the pulpit. Doesn't the church have more pressing matters to address than what is being presented in the drama department at some high school? I'm sure your group would have a problem with The Crucible also, which was in the curriculum at the Catholic high school I attended. How about Shakespeare? The Wizard of Oz? Cinderella? Where does it end?

The argument for separation of church and state(school) is quite strong in this instance, as is live and let live. Is it really any of your business to interfere with a bunch of kids putting on a stage play? Honestly? I'm sure you all have been whipped up to a froth, but all this energy could be put to use elsewhere. If you actually are a true thespian, then you must realize how silly this appears.

I could go on about images of high necked church ladies, grasping their bibles to their bosoms while filing off the bus at some deepwoods roadhouse, getting ready to rid the world of this devilry...but I won't.

until you have gone to the church, you do not know what we know and how do you know that the people have not read the play...you dont....how do you know the pastor has not read the play...you dont...just for your information the church had a petition that everyone read and could sign if they elected also the pastor explained the problems with the play to the congregation so you have no clue about what is going on at the church until you have attended it...also the church get the majority of their info from people inside of SoWal high school...and what is so amazing people you did not care a darn thing about drama before are now stepping up to defend it...whats the deal

A few questions and comments--

What is the name of your church? Or is is so powerful in your eyes that you just call it the church?

Who has led you to believe that a petition signed by your church members will sway a school board to make a decision that was made years ago- religious involvement in PUBLIC school is wrong?

There are lots of people that care very much about drama- students and parents and members of this community. It is very hard for us to organize with petitions and church buses because we don't have one meeting place - we are everywhere. What we do not care for is unwarranted religious interference in curriculum. How easy it is to do what the man in the pulpit tells you to do. Our kids are taught to make decisions with their brains, hearts, and God.

If you people feel so strongly about your faith, why on earth are you worried about Blithe Spirit?

I am sad for the "kids on the inside".

until you have gone to the church, you do not know what we know and how do you know that the people have not read the play...you dont....how do you know the pastor has not read the play...you dont...just for your information the church had a petition that everyone read and could sign if they elected also the pastor explained the problems with the play to the congregation so you have no clue about what is going on at the church until you have attended it...also the church get the majority of their info from people inside of SoWal high school...and what is so amazing people you did not care a darn thing about drama before are now stepping up to defend it...whats the deal

So who are you? What is your problem with the play? Did you read it yourself, or just listen/follow what "the pastor" says?

What positive contribution are you and the church offering to the community?
Are you even located in the SoWal community?

until you have gone to the church, you do not know what we know and how do you know that the people have not read the play...you dont....how do you know the pastor has not read the play...you dont...just for your information the church had a petition that everyone read and could sign if they elected also the pastor explained the problems with the play to the congregation so you have no clue about what is going on at the church until you have attended it...also the church get the majority of their info from people inside of SoWal high school...and what is so amazing people you did not care a darn thing about drama before are now stepping up to defend it...whats the deal

You call yourself a true thespian, but there are no real actors I know that would decide to protest and hold up a play.

Most who know me, understand that my thoughts on things that are considered by some people in the Christian community to be ?favored by the enemy.? However, those of you who do not know me well here is an abridged version.
As a youth minister I have braved picket lines with my fellow ministers to see Harry Potter on opening day, I have used movies from Pulp Fiction to Constantine to teach Sunday school, I have lead bible studies based around Eminem albums. And I play D&D.
As a Christian minister, I take to heart the teaching of Paul on Mars Hill when he used the poetry and teachings of the Roman people to spread the gospel of Jesus.
Movies, plays, music, or any form of media with ?edgy? or ?bad? or ?evil? content can be used as a teaching tool. I see no greater way to defeat an enemy that turning their weapons against them.
Therefore, I will be at the meeting as Minster.
Supporting my youth.

I look forward to meeting you! Thanks for your post! And thanks for having the intelligence to know how to get a message across to kids by having them use their own intelligence. You have a gift.

A few questions and comments--

What is the name of your church? Or is is so powerful in your eyes that you just call it the church?

Who has led you to believe that a petition signed by your church members will sway a school board to make a decision that was made years ago- religious involvement in PUBLIC school is wrong?

There are lots of people that care very much about drama- students and parents and members of this community. It is very hard for us to organize with petitions and church buses because we don't have one meeting place - we are everywhere. What we do not care for is unwarranted religious interference in curriculum. How easy it is to do what the man in the pulpit tells you to do. Our kids are taught to make decisions with their brains, hearts, and God.

If you people feel so strongly about your faith, why on earth are you worried about Blithe Spirit?

I am sad for the "kids on the inside".

Great post jdarg ....

.

Time out-Somebody please remind all interested where and when the meeting will be held

kinda lookin' forward to tonight's "show"

see ya there everybody;-)

Time out-Somebody please remind all interested where and when the meeting will be held

its at the SoWal high school auditorium- 5 pm

We need parents, students, and community members to attend this meeting.

The church (which nobody will name) has apparently told their congregation that Blithe Spirit is dangerous for our young adults and should not be allowed at SoWal. The church may have a numbers advantage at this meeting since they are a captive audience and are known supporters who are easily reached and persuaded. We have heard that the church members may be there in force.

On the other hand, those of us who support the drama department, the school system, and the idea that religious organizations do not have a say in PUBLIC school curriculum - we don't have a formal pulpit or way to reach the masses- we just have to hope that information was passed along, and that people read newspapers, message boards, and watch the news. Please e-mail this post to everyone you know and please attend if you are able.

I will be attending with both kids- let's fill up that auditorium!!!!

However, the church is very involved in SoWal. The pastor's son attendeds swhs and attends the football games all the time. There are also students that attend swhs that go to that church and i am one of them. Now this whole thing is more on the role of tolerance. Yet prayer and religion can be taken out of schools even though this country was founded on christian beliefs, in god we trust is plastered across currency and government documents, and even the senate and house of reps pray before their meetings. To continue, we can put plays in our school system that are contrary to a majority of religions even though that it is just fiction and acting and yes you may consider it to be ridiculous and that parents are just sheltering their kids from the real world but if we allowed prayer and relgion in the schools then i dont see a problem with the play because it is classic that discusses real issues that are in the real world. Thus if there is going to tolerance for one thing then there must be tolerant of everything. Another thing that baffles me is why we were not a allowded to do grease but we were allowed to do blithe spirit...i think the majority of this problem falls on the administration as well as in the drama department itself. But i know i will be at that meeting fighting for what i believe in just as everyone else has the right to so there is no reason to chop someones head off for expressing their oppions and beliefs...im just saying.

Okay.... now I work at a Church as a youth intern... my boss and I are very involved with SoWal High School. The first issue, Prayer is not kicked out of school... in fact in the morning you have a moment of silence. this means that you have a specified time of the day that you can pray in the morning. a student can lead prayer with other students all they want as loud as they want! as a youth intern and a former student of SoWal High, I have led many things there concerning prayer. there is FCA on friday mornings, there was See you at the pole! the fact of the matter is that people get mad that someone doesn't lead a christian based prayer in the mornings for the entire school... GOOD!!!!!!!! in fact the Bible tell those who follow it not to do that! it's forcing your faith on someone else!. Issue two, this country was not founded on christian beliefs... it was founded on freedom of worship!!!!! which means what ever you believe in! now to challenge a play as benine and the Blithe Spirit is crazy! as Kase has said, you can't fly via broomstick! and really I know these kids! they have some pretty good heads on thier shoulders! and they are old enough to determine what is real or not! I'll be there tonight! and I'll say something along these lines if someone says "prayer has been kicked out of school!" use logic! use your head! think before you speak and for good sake read the script! you might like!

Surfer72689- and great post! I am looking forward to hearing from some more local clergy.