Following announcements of consideration of closing Central Elementary School in Waynesville, the children apparently performed an economic analysis and determined the move would not be in the best interest of the county. They even prepared signs and T-shirts and took to the streets demonstrating. The Smoky Mountain News cherry-picked quotes alleging heartbreak would ensue from breaking ties with the bricks and mortar and splitting friendships; when we really know today’s children have higher emotional IQ’s and are too proactive and forward-focused to play the victim.