Iola sixth-grader Clara Wicoff surpassed her peers, competed at the Sunflower Bee at Barton County this year and went even further last year. I believe her hard work should be recognized and lauded. Instead, for the second year in a row, your headline has included the words “Wicoff falls short.”
This story should have been a positive tribute, something to be featured in this child’s memory book, or framed and hung in a prominent place in her home. Instead, the headline diminished her accomplishment. Were she my child, the article would be tucked away from her sight.
I think your staff should have been much more careful in their wording. Are we celebrating her accomplishments? If so, then the focus should not be when she was eliminated, but just how far she came. We should be so proud of this little girl!
Sincerely,
Jeannie Herndon
Iola, Kan.
