The Hurricane Effect and Choosing the Right School for Your Child

As I peer out my window and see the falling remnants of Hurricane Lee, my attention turns to another group of Hurricanes. 

No, not the ones churning in the southern Atlantic, but the ones who play football for the University of Miami.

Now, the University of Miami is not the first school accused of committing NCAA violations and they certainly will not be the last. Unfortunately for them, they are the current school in the spotlight. (When another school comes along I will change the title of this blog.)

In today’s world where a seventh grade student simply needs to turn on ESPN or access Twitter, the perception of the grand lifestyle of today’s student-athlete seems well within their reach.

But how does one ascend to parties with wealthy boosters, fancy cars and other benefits?

You need to be on the right team with the best coach. And often times the right team and the best coach may not be at the school that fits your child’s academic needs. There may be schools that have excellent academic reputations, but without a football team, Mom and Dad look elsewhere. 

I am not just talking about high schools, but elementary and middle schools. And I’m not just talking about football, but all sports for boys and girls. In a time where the value of glamour is greater than the importance of a solid education, I think we have a problem.