It’s been a confusing week for Lake Wales eighth graders, parents and school officials regarding high school choices. It started when McLaughlin Middle School and Academy of the Arts declined an invitation to attend an annual eighth grade information session at LWHS scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 28.

“All things were go until Monday when Daniele Shick received a voicemail from their guidance counselor saying that they would not be coming,” said Donna Dunson, LWHS principal. “Each year the high school has done this to give area eighth graders a slice of high school life. This is no different than Lake Wales fifth graders, both charter and non charter, visiting McLaughlin as Polk Avenue just did. I am disappointed about the decision to cancel and am not clear what their rationale not to participate would be.”