To The Editor:
As residents consider the Lincoln Parish School Board proposal to issue a new bond to fund major improvements to Ruston schools and Ruston High sports programs, I encourage people to look beyond the facilities and games themselves and take a look at the overall impact school sports have on students and communities. For example:
- · Approximately 60% of students at Ruston High participate directly in one or more sports or sports-related activities, and the majority of the overall student population actively support and participate in sports events.
- · Sports and sports-related activities cut across all School District 1 demographics, benefiting students from the entire community, not just a select few.
- · Extensive research shows that participating in high school sports contributes directly to improved school attendance and academic performance, and an increased likelihood of graduating and attending college or technical school.
- · Sports activities also keep students, families and the community engaged in productive activities that extend beyond the normal school day, teach life skills and lessons, and create community pride.
As a former basketball player and coach at Ruston High, and a lifelong participant in school sports at many levels, I know how fortunate we are to have A-rated schools in Ruston, with strong academics and high graduation rates.
I also know first-hand that sports programs contribute to the overall strength of our schools in numerous ways. I encourage voters to support efforts to continuously upgrade our schools and our school sports programs. Vote YES on April 27th.
Sincerely,
Leon Barmore
Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial and publishing staff of the Lincoln Parish Journal.
