While we are proud of our high achieving children, we all need to come together to advocate a community culture of balance. Let us appreciate diversity in ability and goals. And let us value our children's mental health as much as their ability to ace a test.

There is no doubt that our kids are under ridiculous pressure to succeed by preforming better than their peers in all measurable ways, i.e., SATs, grades, sports. leadership positions, award recognitions. Then why make a healthy discussion about mental health and the overwhelming pressure to succeed a contest? More winners and losers.

Well said, DiabloMom!

I'd say it's unfortunate that this topic has to be brought to light via an essay contest. There seems to be an air of such deniability in this area and yet it only briefly hits the radar when a child OD's or commits suicide. Why is that? How are we being proactive as a community? I'm not trying to be combative but looking for the discussion on how we face that there's a problem that we're denying it? or am I wrong?

Teen Esteem (Web Link is a great resource for kids and parents struggling with these issues. They have parent education meetings and speak at assemblies and classrooms at our local public and private high schools.