Gordy Waite for Island Rec

Dear Editor,

I am writing in support of the upcoming Island Rec levy. I have worked in the San Juan Island School District for close to twenty five years and my wife and I raised two incredible children on the island who have taken advantage of many opportunities offered by Island Rec. Our island community needs our Island Rec programs in order to keep our community viable and attractive to young families.

Over the last seven years our school district has struggled financially as our student population declines. We try to offer the best programs possible and stretch our budget to include as many opportunities as we can for our students.

In 2009 The San Juan Island School District had to make a decision to either cut core academic programs or cut our schools sports program. We chose to cut the sports program, but thanks to our community and Island Rec we were able to keep both. Since that day I have tried to imagine what our high school would be like without a sports program. When a new student moves into our district, sports provide opportunities to create instant friendships. Sports also create a venue for students to develop leadership skills, earn PE credits, develop a strong work ethic and give a student a sense of belonging.

Many of our sports teams earn top state academic awards for high cumulative grade point averages. College applications ask questions about community and school involvement, leadership, involvement in activities, and honors and awards. Our sports programs offer opportunities for students to show these qualities through their involvement. Over half our student population is involved in athletics. These students feel a strong connection to school and tend to do better academically.

Our Island Rec levy is asking for our community to support our school sports program, after school programs for children of working families, summer programs for children and adults plus much more. I hope you will help support the Island Rec levy by voting yes in April.

Gordy A. Waite
Friday Harbor High School