First, what’s so right: 21 college-bound seniors featured in this issue who are about to embark on their life’s journey. (Is it my imagination, or are kids smarter and more accomplished than ever before?) To find our lucky 21, we sifted through nominations from nearly 100 high-achieving students. The fact that it was an arduous three-day process reflects all that is right about our schools. Somehow, in the wake of budget cuts and declining test scores, these students managed to carve out a fine education that paved their way to prestigious universities, such as Yale and Stanford.
   
Pouring over the nominations, I was impressed by how involved these A-students are: in sports, Mock Trial, student government – some even started their own clubs! Then I felt guilty. Am I doing enough to encourage my own children to excel? They’re already doing so much – softball, martial arts, music lessons – but will it be enough to get them into a good college someday?
   
Their parents deserve a pat on the back, too – the silent pep squad that chauffeured, financed and rallied behind them because, well, that’s what good parents do.
   
Which leads me to bad parenting: Weeks ago, an adult in an owl suit showed up to cheer on 7- and 8-year-olds at a local softball league, escorted by a gal in tight pants and a belly-baring top passing out restaurant coupons. The attention-grabbing owl was from Hooters. Get it?
   
I was stunned, then outraged. No one else seemed to be bothered by this invasion of innocence. I can’t believe that other
parents think it’s perfectly acceptable for Hooters to sponsor a little girls’ softball team! First off, the word “hooter” is downright demeaning to women. But worse, exposing children to the world of Hooters contributes to their early sexualization, leading to eating disorders, depression and low self-esteem.
   
What’s a family supposed to do with the coupons, anyway? Take the kids to Hooters to see more young women in tight shirts and barely-there shorts being ogled by “hungry” male guests? Come on, parents, use your brains! You may not be Harvard-bound, like our Shining Students, but you can at least be better teachers.

Editor’s pick
Moms! You’re invited to join our new social network. It’s a place to meet up with other moms: blog, share photos, get referrals for preschools, find affordable restaurants and talk about anything else on your mind.

You can also create groups within the network (think book club, Bunko ladies, walking buddies, etc.). Best of all, it’s free and takes less than five minutes to join.
   
Come meet other moms, like you! Go to inlandempirefamily.com and click on Moms Network. We’ll see you there!