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John Diaz: Taking the Plunge |
I recently went to a girls' water polo game. The game was fun. El Segundo won by over ten points. For me, the highlight of the game was when John Diaz jumped off of the high dive fully clothed. It was the best thing I had ever seen at any high school activity. Four people paid John a total of eighty dollars to jump. All four people who paid him thought that it was well worth their money. Many of the game's spectators were appalled, and Mrs. Clemmer, who viewed the event, ran after John to make sure he wouldn't get away.
I would like to congratulate John on going to the game and showing his school spirit. It's just the sort of thing that the sports program needs. John is not obligated in any way to go to the games. Gemma Gaudio said, "It is frustrating that the boy's water polo team members never come to cheer us on. John obviously respects us because he shows up to almost every game." Obviously the girls' water polo team needs a morale boost. It is people like John Diaz who bring positive energy to the game and make it worthwhile for the athletes.
Before he jumped in the water and was still sitting in the stands, John Diaz was cheering louder than anybody else there. The school does not care about this fact, however. Dr Hart said, "I cannot comment on any specific punishments, but I will say that jumping off of the high dive during a water polo game is in violation of school rules and is very dangerous." Mr. Garza said, "Any time that there is a disruption of a school activity, the student is subject to a consequence."
As a result of his stunt, John Diaz says he has a pending suspension. What purpose does this serve? Shouldn't the punishment fit the crime? Suspension only allows John to legally stay away from school for a period of time. The only regret he had was "I hope they don't suspend me before Friday (January 11) because then I won't be in the surf team competition." What a brilliant move by the administration once again. Not only will the punishment not effectively keep John from continuing with his shenanigans, it actually hurts the school's sports system, the exact thing John is being punished for doing.
Many people respect John Diaz. Alex Evers said, "John Diaz is a choice individual." Stephen Demuth said, "He is really cool for doing that. I want to be more like him. He is a role model for his fellow students." Suspension does not make John's spectacular act seem like a bad idea to his fellow students. John weighed the risks of jumping and he concluded that the esteem of his peers is much more important to him than the weak chastisement carried out by the school. There are obviously conflicting points of view. Carlo Diy, who plays boys' water polo, said, "It was a stupid thing to do. Ballsy, no doubt, but stupid." John Diaz has earned respect from people who don't even agree with his actions. He has earned my respect, and hopefully that of anyone who reads this article.