A letter from Rabbi Michael Shields of Davidson.
Underestimating students and taking away an opportunity for real learning
To the Editor:
William Hough helped shepherd his school through the tumultuous desegregation era. Not having known Principal Hough, I have gathered from accounts of those who knew him that he was respected by his students because of his commitment to an educational philosophy that recognized every student regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic class. A friend of mine in the clergy here in Davidson was a student in that school when Principal Hough was at the helm, and feels that honoring him is most appropriate.
Bestowing the name of Hough should not be tough decision, even though a small minority of people are worried that it will be mispronounced. And I concede that some silly students from other schools will dishonor the name in such a way. However, by naming the high school for Principal Hough, the School Board sends a message to students and parents about what we should truly value in education; courage in the face of adversity, persistence, standing up for what is right, valuing every human being simply because they exist, etc. etc. etc.
I think by making the pronunciation of a name an issue, we sell our students short. If, as some have suggested, a student’s sense of self-worth is at risk because of the silly remarks of a scattered few other students, I would posit there are other issues at play that need to be dealt with.
Moreover, we also steal from them an opportunity to have a school name of which they can truly be proud; a name that in and of itself is an educational, moral, and “real-life” lesson.
I have had teachers with funny names. There were a few jokes here and there, but once a student had these great teachers, all of that nonsense stopped. His value, and the lessons he taught spoke for themselves. The way he lived his life and taught were a lesson unto themselves.
As a future parent, I would rather the school board focus on bringing stellar educators to our schools, cut from the same cloth (so-to-speak) as William Hough, regardless of their names, then waste time removing a possible profound and enduring teaching moment from William Hough High School.
Michael Shields
Davidson
Hooray for Michael Shields! That’s as good as presentation of the issues involved as I have seen.
How about adding a name?
I would like to suggest a solution to the Hough High controversy.
Ralph W. Johnson was a successful African-American businessman and entrepreneur in the Lake Norman area for over 50 years. He is best known here as the owner of Johnson’s Barber Shop on Main Street in Davidson from 1921 to 1971 (where the ever-popular Raeford’s Barber Shop carries on his legacy today).
After being forced to close his barber shop amidst civil rights-related controversy, Mr. Johnson, a self-educated man, bought houses in the area and renovated them to standards not commonly enjoyed by African-Americans at the time. Subsequently, he helped improve the standard-of-living for a number of families here by renting those same homes to them in the then still segregated town of Davidson.
Mr. Johnson eloquently chronicled his life story the 2000 book titled: “David Played a Harp: A Free Man’s Battle for Independence.”
Although I did not know Mr. Hough (or Mr. Johnson for that matter), I believe he would be very pleased if the new high school shared Mr. Johnson’s name with that of his own. Therefore, I would like to suggest that the school be named Johnson Hough High. Both men, whose lives personified the brotherhood of man, seem more than worthy of such an honor.
(See this related article on the Davidson College website, “Lifelong Davidson Siblings Create Legacy of Learning and Affordable Housing”)
Scott Jeffords
Davidson Nc
Honoring Mr. Johnson would be worthwhile, too. I didn’t really know him, but he probably cut my hair some time in the ’60s.
But the people who are upset over the Hough name would go ballistic over the sexual innuendo of the name “Johnson.”
Obviously none of the complainers have read Kevin Henkes to their daughters. Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum.
Have we become so focused on the superficial that we’ve lost sight of what’s truly important? Are we really willing to tell our children if you have a name that can be mispronounced, forget it? Just forget trying to make your mark in the world, make a difference, make it big because all people will remember is your funny name. All your accomplishments will be for naught if your name can be twisted into something vulgar or with unacceptable connotations.
Or maybe that life lesson only applies to kids in this area. The last two men who became president of the United States didn’t let a little thing like a name stop them.
Our children deserve better than this small minded squabbling over trivialities. Keep the name Hough High. Let’s teach the next generation to stand tall and proud.