DR. WALLACE: Do you think athletics play an important role in high school? I'm not an athlete and I despise all athletes and the silly games they play. I wouldn't go out with an athlete if he were the last guy alive on this earth. All athletes at my high school think they are God's gift to females. Well, they are no gift to me. I never go to any athletic games just to watch a bunch of "God's gifts" play with a ball. —Monica, Chicago, Ill.

MONICA: Athletics play an important role in the total educational program. Those who don't participate in sports programs can still enjoy the games and show school spirit. But never should any extra curricular school program be more important than academics. When an athlete gets a free pass in his or her classes, the spirit of education has been violated.

In school districts were athletics are more important than academics, the winning coach is usually a local hero, and athletes at the school are pampered and protected — and ultimately cheated of the chance to learn.

Several years ago I spoke at a high school in Dallas, Texas. After the speech, I was admiring the huge athletic trophies encased in numerous display cases. I asked the principal, a former football coach, if trophies for choral music, band, debate and scholarships were included in the ornate cases that were near his office. I'll never forget his answer: "Son, the only trophies that I want to see every day are the championship kind for football, basketball, baseball and every other competitive sport except golf. Golf isn't a sport!" Monica, you are indeed fortunate you're not a student in this one particular Dallas high school.

ADJUST YOUR REUNION ETIQUETTE

DR. WALLACE: I'd like to comment on attending high school reunions. I was popular in high school and hung around with popular kids. We had a lot in common. When I now attend a high school reunion, I want to talk with my former friends, not the "do nothing" dorks and nerds who did nothing positive and school but often caused just for options. People don't change. These dorks and nerds are still losers — even today. —Jules, Fresno, Calif.

JULES: I'm sorry to say that you appeared to be a snob even today. At your next reunion, introduce yourself and ask a "dork" or "nerd" what this person has been doing since graduation. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: at Pixabay