School's Out - Yes, it's that time of year again, when blissfully happy students mark the end of the "best years of their lives" with prom and graduation. The NY Times weighs in with an article about how prom, as a concept, can get lost in the translation for immigrant students and their parents. Mr. Deng has been in the U.S. for seven years and he doesn't understand what a prom is? Or is it more likely that he's a geeky wallflower who can't be bothered with such trivial frivolity?

On a related note, the Washington Post observes that gay students would bewelcomed at proms in the DC area, yet doesn't quote any students. The article is noble, but a bit idealized, I think. I mean, DC is no Toronto. Even in the Bay Area, a separate, area-wide gay prom is held so that students can feel comfortable and safe.

Now, onto graduation. Two Westlake High School (Go Warriors!) students are recognized for being valedictorian-athletes, heading to the Ivy Leagues. Stanford must not have admitted anyone from WHS this year. Not that I'm bitter or anything, but I know of a varsity athlete and topped-ranked scholar at WHS, who was recruited to play volleyball at both Harvard and Yale. Where was her article?