December 31, 2012 Letters, Jan. 1, 2013: Pay students and
tobacco lies  Students who do well should be paid   CHARLESTON,
W.Va. -- I would like to suggest a way to lessen the high rate
of dropouts from school:  When a child completes the freshman
year, he or she will be given a certificate which states: "You
have completed your freshman year of school with less than five
(suggested number) days absent and with a C average in all
necessary classes. In recognition of this achievement, you are
hereby awarded a check for $100."  Completing the sophomore and
junior years would bring the same notice with the same amount.
This will reward the child for completing successfully each year
of school. You already know that money talks. When the child has
graduated from high school, he should be given a check for $500
with his certificate. This will reward the child and give him
some money for further education.  Most people will say this
will be too expensive, but I think it would save the state and
taxpayers money. Stud