We often think of ourselves as “the brightest and the best.” Although we have a great school in a failing district, we, too, have our own shameful habits, our own Seven Deadly Sins, if you will. 

 The first most of you have seen or even done yourselves. It is the ever so annoying hallway “posting.” We witness those kids just standing around, posted against lockers, the ones who make us wonder how they ever get to class on time or if they even bother to go. Really? If you do not want to attend class, just lean on a wall at your house, not on my locker.

 The second again deals will hall behavior, walking slowly and loitering. We have four minutes to get to class, but somehow students feel appropriate creating large gatherings in the middle of the hallway. These students form a blood clot in the body of a school, no other platelets can scurry past without a tight squeeze. 

 The third is the random outburst of beats. At first the pounding did not bother me; I found it quite fun to watch people break out into dance. Since the beat has remained the same all four years, however, I have become a little disappointed in our lack of creativity.

 The fourth most people have a problem with but refuse to confront it, P.D.A. Public displays of affection haunt us during the school day. We pass couples being intimate. Although they find it cute, the rest of the student body finds it uncomfortable. For couples who just stand there and hug, leave that to when you are in private quarters. 

 The fifth deadly sin, complaining, happens quite often. At first I thought every teenager complained. It seems, however, to thrive among us. We complain about everything and cannot seem to stop. If you are upset about the workload, why did you choose to come here?

 The sixth sin, rudeness and unnecessary back talk, takes place in too many classes. Unfortunately, one or two students in a few classes find it necessary to shout back at teachers. I know this seems like a stretch for some of you, but please try to contain your comments. 

 The final sin, does not deal with students, but teachers. Some teachers’ unwillingness to give students enough time to complete work because they want more time to grade is a travesty. Teachers need to learn time management skills too. 

 Students here pride themselves of being the best in MPS; however, that does not say much given the poor quality of our competition. Acknowledging the Seven Deadly Sins may be a tough pill to swallow, but I hope they will push some arrogant students off their pedestals.