School uniforms have benefits

By Mark Tharp
Richwood High School

How do you feel about wearing the same thing as everyone else in your school? That’s right, I’m talking about school uniforms.

While younger children may be more agreeable to uniforms, teenagers are different. Adolescence is a time when young people make every effort to express their individuality in many different ways, and fashion is one of the biggest ways to do that.

But don’t put your head down and go to sleep just yet. Not everything about school uniforms is bad. There are some upsides, such as cost, durability and equality.

First, uniforms are less expensive than fashion wear. The clothes themselves cost less, and also, you don’t have to own such a variety of clothing, making for a cheaper wardrobe overall.

Next, uniforms are made from materials designed for repeated wash and wear. Therefore, they last longer than fashion wear.

Finally, school uniforms promote equality by maintaining a similar appearance for all students. Classmates look smartly- and neatly- dressed regardless of their family’s financial status.

Also, school uniforms promote education because administrators and teachers can concentrate on teaching and running the school instead of trying to control students’ appearance. Uniforms help school pride as well by promoting a sense of companionship among children. Students recognize this and are proud to be included as members of a unique school.

But, of course, most students are going to complain about wearing uniforms. They might think that uniforms aren’t fashionable, or that they will look stupid in a uniform. However, everyone will be wearing the uniform, not just one person, so everyone will look the same.

In my opinion, the cost, durability and equality of school uniforms will be a great benefit to the majority of the students and their parents in the long run. I recommend that Nicholas and other W.Va. counties adopt school uniforms in public schools.