I’m writing to shed a little light on an underrated program at Evergreen High School called “We the People.” This program educates its participants about the Constitution and has produced students who are incredibly active in the politics of their communities. It teaches students to use their constitutional knowledge to participate in elections, attend public policy meetings, and to lead others by example.
For eight consecutive years, Evergreen was awarded first place at the district level. As the students competed at the state level in January, where they placed second, they had no way of knowing that just five months later Evergreen administrators would pull funding. The class of 30 students was confronted with a bill totaling $1,800 for the state trip that had already been taken. The administration’s lack of involvement in a program that educates the students who will be our future leaders is disturbing.
As a former participant in the program, I understand the students’ hard work. Lack of funding from the administration means death to this incredible program.
This letter is a cry for help from the community. Please, do not let this program fall out of Evergreen’s commitment to excellence, both in athletics and in academia. This program changes the lives of all who are involved.
Kathryn Simovic, Vancouver
