Mason Gepp

Mason Gepp shares his concerns with the prospect of Atlanta Public Schools losing its accreditation.

Twelve years of hard work: which includes probably thousands of hours spent on homework and projects and what seems like a million quizzes and tests. This could all go to waste if Atlanta Public Schools loses its accreditation in December. I’ve been a student in Atlanta public schools my whole life and never paid too much attention to the bureaucracy. I only noticed the things that really didn’t matter — like the dates for spring break or planned renovations for my school.

After a cheating scandal shook my school system, it seems its leaders have been unable to reconcile differences about distribution of power. This bickering could end up affecting tens of thousands of innocent students just like me. Our diplomas could be worthless pending a final review from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Without their accreditation, colleges would likely not consider my application. And I can forget about getting any scholarship money - even the Georgia Hope Scholarship.

I honestly haven’t paid attention to the people who run my school system until I heard about their power struggle. But now, my friends and I are constantly talking about the school board. These grownups are supposed to support the students under their command and are doing just the opposite. This board could end up costing the class of 2011, and definitely the classes underneath, a diploma of any meaning.

I’ve done my best. But those who are supposedly in charge of the Atlanta schools may be the ones responsible for undermining my accomplishments.