When I was growing up in Winnipeg, one of the major accomplishments in our community was to appear on the CBC-TV series 'Reach For the Top'.
The program, hosted by the genial, dulcet-toned, legendary broadcaster Bill Guest, pitted Manitoba high schools in academic competition. Questions about science, history, math, pop culture and of course, the short snappers.
Teams of mostly high school seniors (Grade 12) vied to win their 'flight finals' and move onto the Provincials. The judge was my high school principal, the brilliant and wry-humoured Bernie Melman.
In the 3 channel (not counting French) TV universe, to be seen on the show as a teen, was an enormous accomplishment and brought pride to our community and families.
The lapel pin students earned was illustrated with two hands outstretched around the flame of a torch of knowledge.
Around the rim, encircling those hands, was the inscription:
For Achievement And Excellence
I still have my pin.
In the next few weeks, the modern version of RFTT will be played out. Online.
The questions were already asked, by Red River College students and alumni, and by Kick-FM listeners and advertisers.
In the modern version, instead of responding to questions with true answers, the competitors will answer with fibs. Misleading statements. Outright lies.
The answers are already submitted -- in writing.
The public will be the judge. And bloggers and members of the mainstream media across Canada will no doubt report on the results.
Pride will be the last emotion that will be felt by the community and families of those involved, when the answers are revealed.
First category: Denial by a newspaper editor.
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