There is much I agree with in this post, there are also some items I have a differing point of view.

My brother did not graduate high school and though it took some time he's doing well for himself now. On the flip side, I put myself through college and earned a BA in Economics. I live a decent life as well and we make about the same $$$

Goes to show that success can be had on either path; academia isn't for everyone. It was for me, not for him.

ONE thing I do want to point out . Although I agree working together is important. I believe that should be done within competition. Competition is what pushes us to improve, to become better.

An analogy: It's like two Quarterbacks trying to make a football team. They help each other study, they run plays together because it benefits both, even though both know one of them is not making the team.

I can say whoever created the "participation" trophy do our children no favors at all.