Race To Nowhere Viewing Opens Eyes at Lynbrook High School

While academic achievement is often placed in high regard, some experts believe that it is overemphasized in today’s society. Such was the premise of the 2009 documentary, Race to Nowhere, shown by the Lynbrook PTA Council as part of a highly-attended program on Wednesday night at

The 85-minute film featured students who got lost in the wave of academic pressure (some from nearby Wheatley), only to find themselves floundering and disenchanted with education as a whole.

The sometimes unbearable amount of homework received by students was a major theme of the night. According to the film, there is little correlation between the volume of homework received in elementary school and academic success. While homework can benefit students in higher grades, it should still be assigned on a minimal basis.

A forum followed the viewing in which both parents and students voiced their opinions on the film and how the Lynbrook community could learn from it.

“A lot of the scenarios that we saw (in the film) have happened in our own school,” Guidance Chairperson Laurie Mitchell said. “The level of stress, pressure, and wanting us to do more with less is on the shoulders of our kids. If you talk to any of the guidance counselors, social workers, and teachers, you’re seeing kids that are melting down."

A packet was handed out to all attendees suggesting what parents can do to prevent the pressures of school from engulfing their children. Some suggestions include reducing performance pressure that parents put on children, conversing about a child’s experiences in school (not just academics), and making proper sleep patterns a priority. According to the film, an overall lack of sleep is a major contributor to adolescent stress.

Many parents had strong opinions on the film and its message.

“When your child comes home, you need to deflect that pressure,” parent Barbara Cooper said. “Home needs to be the safe haven and the place for the child to let everything out.”

Parents weren’t the only ones to voice opinions. College student Shannon Vlack reflected on her own high school experiences.

“I was one of the students who was always being pushed and I finally got to college and asked myself, now what?” she said. “You get there and all you’ve known how to do is prepare for tests. I was so stressed my first three years that I was sick for a year and a half.”

Vlack’s brief story encapsulated a large part of the films’ message.  More information can be found on www.racetonowhere.com and www.endtherace.org.