Upon reflection, it's a good problem to have.

The recent argument whether Austin High School should publicize its honor roll or not is centering around one group of people.

The students.

It's a pleasant change that a good academic issue is being discussed in the community and in the local media, rather than reading about news that may be perceived as negative. We're fortunate to reside in a community that sees how important excellence in education truly is.

In the big picture, there isn't a right or a wrong decision on this issue. It's merely better or best.

And in this case, Austin High School students would be best served if a publicized honor roll continued to spotlight local students.

Austin High School Principal Joe Brown recently announced the school would no longer publish the honor roll. His reasoning is that suspicion may be raised when a normal honor roll achiever is left off the list, quite possibly because of bad behavior.

We can understand where Brown is coming from. However, it's unfairly hurting the vast majority of students who deserve the attention for their achievements.

An honor roll recognizes high achieving students. By not publishing the honor roll, scores of deserving students don't get their names published in the newspaper. That gives the perception we're overprotecting them and not teaching them life's lessons.

When you do well, you should be rewarded. When you don't do well, you shouldn't be rewarded.

It's a simple philosophy, but apparently one that not everyone recognizes.

We would like to see a solution that's best for all and we're optimistic that a solution can be reached. Students should be able to read their names in this newspaper and be proud of it.

The students who attain high academic achievement deserve public praise.