LOOK FOR POSITIVE ROLE MODELS FOR STUDENTS

It is difficult to criticize anyone who is able to communicate these days
with young students in a positive way. And when someone manages to get
at-risk students to take an interest in their schoolwork, it is indeed
laudable.

But when a rapper uses lyrics filled with illegal drug use, profanity and
graphic sex to get his message across to students, it is also difficult to
understand why Missouri's governor and several legislators are handing out
special honors.

Cornell Haynes Jr. of University City, Mo. -- next to St. Louis -- is best
known as the rapper Nelly.

He and his group, the St. Lunatics, have successfully challenged students
in his hometown to increase participation in the Missouri Assessment
Program, the standardized tests the state uses to measure how well students
are doing and how well schools are performing.

In fact, participation in the tests has increased nearly 14 percent since
Nelly and the St. Lunatics promised to play basketball with high schools
that increased their MAP participation.

For this reason, Gov. Bob Holden gave Nelly a special proclamation last
week at the Capitol in Jefferson City. The House adopted a resolution
commending the push to keep students in school.

But others raised their eyebrows.

Nelly and the St. Lunatics make no apologies for the lyrics they perform.
"We can't change our music, because our music is who we are," said Nelly.

It is probably true that a lot of young people pay attention to Nelly
because of his music and lyrics.

Because they pay attention, he is able to communicate the importance of
sticking with schoolwork.

It is for that reason that the governor saw fit to honor the rapper.

But there are legitimate reasons to question giving such a highly visible
accolade to someone whose rapper message is one most parents wouldn't want
their sons and daughters to be exposed to.

Nor would they want the governor of this state to promote such lyrics.

Surely there are role models that students admire and respect who are
engaged in more positive endeavors. It would be a shame to think that the
efforts to keep high school students in classrooms and engaged in the
learning process depends on aspects of our society that most Missourians
simply don't accept or endorse.

It would be far better for the governor to seek out those positive role
models and give them the credit they deserve.