As the editor of GOOD Morning Wilton I’ve wrestled with whether or not to cover an incident that occurred last week at Wilton High School. You’ve likely read about it in the other media outlets that cover Wilton news. A fight broke out at the WHS Stadium between juveniles when some Ridgefield High School seniors came to Wilton’s new turf field and were met by Wilton students awaiting the arrival of their bitter rivals to the north. It culminated in what police say was an assault on a Ridgefield student, with likely a bat or a golf club.
School officials and the Wilton Police Department‘s school resource officer are investigating. Beyond that, there hasn’t been much more released to the media, although other publications are continuing to pursue the story. There have been rumors about an allegedly destructive motive of the Ridgefield students and about the actions of all involved. There have been no arrests and no more releases from the police. For now, we’re choosing not to be on the story.
Yes, it’s news. It involves a Wilton school, Wilton children, and Wilton’s reputation and (potential liability). By rights GMW should be covering the story because it does have legitimate news value to town residents. That really is our role, some would say.
The incident is a shadowy spot on an otherwise bright start to the year. There’s so much GOOD happening in the district as the 2016-2017 school year gets started: new curriculum plans; the on-time, under-budget, sharp-looking renovated Miller-Driscoll (still a work in progress); talented new principals, administrators and teachers have come in to an already high-performing district.
We’d much rather be reporting about amazing things our teens and children are accomplishing. Take, for instance, the article we’re running today about four Wilton High School seniors who are getting recognition for their outstanding accomplishments. Or several stories we’ve run recently about Wilton kids doing generous things for others. There are countless articles we’ve published over the years highlighting incredible deeds by incredible kids.
As a resident of this town, let alone a parent kids in the district, I’m terribly saddened by the story. I wish all involved had made better choices. It’s awful that a child was injured, badly enough to require emergency attention at a hospital. Some people–even a few adults–have implied that whatever action Wilton students took might have been somehow warranted, given the supposed intentions of the Ridgefield kids. ‘They came uninvited into our home, with the intent to do harm.’ I have a hard time understanding how anyone could ever feel this way.
We should be better than this, students and parents alike. We should be able to rise above rather than sink to the low levels others bring our way. We need to lead by setting the example. We may be Warriors, but we’re certainly not at war.
Here’s to the start of an amazing school year. From all of us at GOOD Morning Wilton, to Wilton parents, teachers, administrators, staff and, most of all, students, have a very GOOD year!
Heather Borden Herve
Editor/Founder
Good for you, Heather.