Recently I wrote about the indecently high dropout rate at our local high schools.

I remarked that the lack of electives, meaning trade and homemaking courses were failing the average student. A high percentage of students have no interest in college prep courses, and drop out of school.  

I would like to commend Superintendent/Principal Pat Iaccino for his proactive pursuit of the new Upper Lake High School Academy for Sustainable Agriculture and Green Technology.

Teachers John Woods and Erica Boomer are also to be commended for going above and beyond for the betterment of the students.

I realize that this program entails extra work, and lots of time, in addition to your regular classes, kudos to you all.

Finding the grant, writing the prospectus and selling it to the state, was magnificent.

In the future, I hope the students and their parents realize that those who stay in school, and learn to be productive members of society, owe you thanks.

I think we as a society, lost sight of the fact that society is a cooperative effort. We need workers as well as leaders, as someone must pay the taxes and repair our automobiles.

The Upper Lake Cougars are not just Academic Decathlon winners, or wrestling and football champions, but espouse educating average Joes in average jobs.

Dave Gebhard lives in Lakeport, Calif.