Students apologize for pep rally banner
Leadership at Colleyville Heritage High School is apologizing for a pep rally banner that offended members of the Trinity High School community and members of the community at large.
“On behalf of everyone here, I’m sorry,” said Dr. Lance Groppel, CHHS principal. “We made a mistake and we have to learn from it going forward.” He added, “While I believe that was not the intent, I do believe that it is important to have a full understanding of the impact that comments can have on others.”
On Monday morning, Dr. Groppel phoned Trinity High School principal Mike Harris to personally apologize. In addition, student leaders at Colleyville Heritage have written an open letter (Download the Student Letter) to students at Trinity offering their apology, and have also requested an in-person meeting with their Trinity peers. The goal of this meeting is to open a dialogue between the students to gain better understanding about how words and images can be hurtful, even if there was no intent to harm.
“This is a learning opportunity for our campus,” said Dr. Groppel. “We are hopeful that the students will be able to learn more about one another and it will lead to understanding, healing and ultimately forgiveness.”
Pep rally themes are submitted for approval at the beginning of the year; however, signs and banners are not reviewed. Going forward, signage will require administrator approval before being displayed.