To former students, supporting East Holmes schools means investing in our children
By Dave Mast
October 18, 2011
849
What makes a school district so important to the many communities it serves? Perhaps nothing so much as it develops and builds character in the people who eventually go through the district as youth, then eventually return home to become vital parts of the communities in which they work, live and raise their own families.
The East Holmes School Districts 3.82 mill levy for a period of five years to further pay for emergency requirements as needed in the school district will be on the Nov. 8 ballot. It is imperative to see how the districts educational efforts, and the tax money which is provided to help meet educational needs, plays an important role in the continued success of Holmes County.
Over the next few weeks in The Holmes County Journal and The Bargain Hunter, we will see how East Holmes School District has played a vital role in the lives of some of its former students, who continue call Holmes County their home.
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What kind of an impact does a school district have on its students?
With the youthful years being such informative years in a childs life, the experience they receive in school is a crucial developing point in their lives. The experience they have while attending school is one which can help shape their lives, mold their talents and gifts and inspire them to strive and achieve.
For Ryan and Bobbi Freeman, who are now raising their own children in East Holmes, the value of their encounter in their time at Walnut Creek Elementary, Winesburg Elementary and eventually Hiland Middle and High School was one which helped them understand the importance of community and relationships.
We believe a community is a reflection of our schools, said Bobbi. In other words, great schools equals great communities. East Holmes schools provide exceptional academic and extracurricular opportunities to help build strong foundations in students.
Having had such a wonderful experience in their own time spent in the East Holmes School District, the Freemans now hope to instill that same belief in their own children. Therefore, they understand the need for the levy funding, which will help to provide some of the crucial elements in the educational experience for todays youth.
We believe it is important for our children to get the best education possible, and be able to achieve all they strive for in todays world, said Ryan. Without the resources to do so, educational opportunities and experiences will be limited.
Homemaker Stacy Coblentz attended Hiland High School, and as a young adult growing up, one of the things any students wants is to feel that adults believe in the youth of the community.
That hasnt changed over the years, and Stacy said that one of the key reasons she supports the levy is because she knows that someday, these students will be giving back to the community in which they were raised.
I support the East Holmes levy because I believe in our students, and the significant role they have in our future, said Stacy. We need to give our students our best if we expect them to give their best.
I feel it is important to maintain the high academic standards East Holmes schools have built. If our school district continues to have to cut costs, I fear our students will suffer for it.
As is the case in any district, there are costs which come with maintaining a school district, including building maintenance. Stacy said that the small cost of the levy will be well justified in her eyes, since it helps create a quality educational experience for the students.
Whether it be a private residence, business or government property, there is always a cost in maintaining a building, said Stacy. Well maintained buildings are vital to provide a safe and secure learning environment for our students.
