What a wonderful guest commentary − “Wheeler High: Small in size, big in heart, and great for students,” (Feb. 7) − by Kristen St. Germain, the North Stonington, Wheeler High and Middle School principal, identifying the town’s school system as a “gem.”

I could not agree more. On recent tests, one of North Stonington elementary grades ranked number one in the state, another number four. There are more than 260 high schools in Connecticut. This year Wheeler was ranked number 53. Ninety-three percent of Wheeler graduates go on to higher education, and the average student SAT has been as much as 160 points higher than other towns in the area.

As an example of the product the school system turns out, there are only seven colleges in the country that are harder to get into then the United States Naval Academy, where more than 90 percent of applicants fail to be selected, yet three Wheeler graduates are presently studying there, with another senior well on his way to being accepted. The most recent individual to become a Midshipman there is majoring in Chemistry with a 4.0 GPA.

Wheeler must not be shut down. 

James H. Patton Jr.

North Stonington