I would like to preface this editorial by saying the opinion in this article might not be very popular, but I’m going to say it anyway.

I’m convinced that every high school has one. Probably most families have one too. It’s the golden child who somehow manages to win every award, play every sport flawlessly and maintain an impeccable GPA, all the while looking perfectly put together.

Since we all can’t be runners-up for the “Most Interesting Man/Woman in the World,” those precious moments of triumph for the underdog stick with us. At my high school, we had those multi-talented, multi-faceted few who seemed to dominate at every sporting event, science fair and talent show. But when it came to Homecoming, I was always surprised that everyone banded together and was firm in the decision that former winners were never on the court again. Of course, they still came up during nominations (they were “well-liked.”) However, the general consensus was, “Yeah, so-and-so is cool and all, but they won last year. What about someone else?” I must say I’ve always admired that resolve we had.

I feel it is our duty as human beings to share joy with as many people as possible. There’s so much negativity in the world that the only way to balance it out is to make a conscious effort to help others feel a sense of fulfillment. I’m all about happiness for the masses.

I’m not saying Jessica Gilbert didn’t deserve to win. After all, the votes determined that the majority of Warhawks believe she did deserve her second crown of the month. But, why didn’t we root for the underdog? Why didn’t everyone band together to ensure that such a prestigious and joyous moment in someone’s life, like winning a coveted title, was experienced by two people rather than one?

In closing, I want to offer my congratulations to Ms. Gilbert while reminding my fellow Warhawks to spread the smiles. Root for the underdog from time to time. With that mentality, who knows? Maybe we can all win something special one day.