The Sterling Scholars for 2006 were announced in Monday's paper, and it is wonderful to see all the excellent students. It is also distressing to see there is only one category for the natural and hard sciences. Why are there not separate categories for biology, physics and chemistry? It is like including dance, music and visual arts under the category of arts. A significant portion of the economy of our country is tied to technology. Most of our competitive advantage in the world is tied to technology. Yet there appears to be less and less emphasis on these subjects. In the past, we could rely on engineers and scientists who came from other countries to fill the void. Now they are going back to their own countries after their education because of the new laws that force them to go back, or because their own countries offer high-tech opportunities. The sciences of biology, physics and chemistry should be added to the Sterling Scholar program. And keep emphasizing mathematics.
Peter Weiler
Alpine