Admission Director Chris Bartlett fielded an e-mail this morning from an anonymous prospective parent who is terminating interest in Proctor due in large part to a photo of a student with a brow ring (she's sanding a boat just outside the woodshop). Referring to the admission brochure, the author declaims: "To showcase such vulgar, tasteless, and now passe fads in appearance sends the wrong message to those of us looking for an institution that will set high standards for both education and moral and ethical development...." And in a final salvo: "That, and the photograph of Mr. Wilkins, with his silly sneakers and goofy grin, have caused us to delete you from our list."

Chris's response, of course, was couched comfortably in the knowledge that our brochure had worked successfully--with focus and precision. A community with a mission to succeed with a truly diverse population of adolescents must risk expressions of individuality within the bounds of clear, commonsense structure. That's why Chris's office processed 525 applications for 117 spots this spring....we allow brow rings.

No industry in the United States enjoys the freedom with which independent schools evolve, compete, fail and flourish. Being like other schools is a wasted opportunity. How could we teach ethics and high standards better than to cultivate individuality within relatively nonadversarial boundaries?

Of course, the guy has a great point regarding Steve's goofy grin...."