Support levy because it’s the right thing to do

I have been reading for several weeks now the issue surrounding Project 56. My perspective that it is trivial comes from someone who currently lives within a few miles of the fifth largest city in our nation. However, since my roots were nurtured and cultivated from this small town, I have to be mindful that to some this is an important matter that means a great deal.

Let me back up about 35 plus years. I came from an even smaller school in the bi-county before my parents retired and specifically chose Ritzville, for my sister and myself to finish out our secondary education. We were excited because we knew the possibilities the town of Ritzville offered were unlimited compared to where we were coming from.

The Ritzville School District was the envy of all the bi-county schools in almost every faction. I remember many spring track meets where my former school was invited. We didn’t have a track and practiced on dirt roads, wheat fields and a playground laden with gopher holes behind the grade school. Ritzville to us was big time.

My forte was never sports, but I had the most wonderful opportunity when we moved to Ritzville that I had never experienced before, a real track! Quite frankly, I came in last around that track more times than I ever finished ahead of anyone, but the point is I was able to run around an actual genuine track. That experience is what helped shape me to be who I am today.

We all from time to time are asked to step up to the plate and pay for things that are beyond the scope of what we “want” to pay for, but we are asked to understand the “need.” I am not a senior citizen yet, but I know one day sooner rather than later, I will be. I am not going to turn away costs generated to help the elderly based on the fact that I do not have a personal need at this time. I do not have children, but I totally understand there are programs to benefit the youth of today and tomorrow that teach life’s lessons. They are our future and will be making decisions for us as we age.

It is all part of education, whether it is sports, music, art or traditional academics, it all works hand in hand to teach commitment, discipline, perseverance, stamina, strength and above all passion. These things are all needed to become responsible adults.

Placing last on a well-maintained modern track taught me more about life than coming in first on a dirt road. I believe Project 56 should be supported as a viable program utilized by the Ritzville School District for the educational welfare of its students. Sometimes you can’t measure precisely how a program may affect students or even a community, but sometimes it’s just the right thing to do.

Leann Weitz Deller (Class of 1979), Glendale, Arizona