The discussion continues everywhere you look. Is it better to win or is it more important to play fair, win or lose? Since this question is being asked in school by me, a person who talks about making good choices, you might think this is an easy answer. But, I’m not so sure. If Churchville-Chili Middle School is a reflection of the country and the world, it’s anything but obvious. If you’ve been following the presidential race, you’ve seen a lot of mud slinging, truth-stretching and outright lying. The question has to be asked, “Does the end justify the means? Is it okay to lie, cheat and steal because only by winning can the greater good be served?” I had an experience when I was a senior in high school that has stick with me all my life and dramatizes exactly what I’m talking about. We were selling chocolate bars to raise money for new band uniforms. The person who sold the most candy bars won a cash prize. I got very excited about the project and went out door-to-door every available minute. The day we were to turn in our money, I proudly presented my cash, confident that I would win. It was not to be. Another student, whose father owned a grocery store, waited until I turned in my money and then sold just enough to his father to beat me. His father turned around and sold the chocolate at his store during the following weeks. I was shocked and angry and I couldn’t believe that winning would be so important to someone that they would compromise fair play so completely. Teachers, if you have thirty seconds, ask your students who thinks playing fair is more important than winning and vice versa. We all need to decide, every day, what we believe in. Your decisions will dictate how you live your life and how easily you face yourself in the mirror.