Editor’s note: Sequim High School’s Rachael DeAngelo, who teaches Spanish and English, gave her students an assignment to write and submit a Letter to the Editor to the Sequim Gazette on a topic that is important to them. We are happy to publish the students’ letters in this issue and over the coming weeks.

___________________

Yearlong basketball

As a youth in Sequim, I believe this area needs a yearlong basketball team. There are a lot of youth that participate in self-harming behavior, searching for a thrill or rush. At the end of the day, these teenagers are just looking for a community where they fit in and are comfortable. I am a teenager who has been caught up in this bad system and yet still enjoys activities such as basketball, that allow for a fun, safe, and fulfilling community. Sequim is a beautiful town full of capable youth and the youth community would only benefit from participating in an activity such as basketball. However, there is simply none of these opportunities for the youth to engage in.

If the community came together to get something set up for our youth, I know everyone would benefit. If you are a parent or hoping to be a future parent, wouldn’t you like to know that there’s a community and healthy outlet for your child to engage in?

Hayden Denney

Language courses

I’m a junior at Sequim high school and I think that there should a variety of languages courses. The only options are Spanish and sign language but if students had more options, students could have more experiences. Most other countries have the benefit of learning two languages when they are younger. Sequim does not have this option. So, if there were more options immediately available in Sequim High School it would possibly make up for this. High school is the best option for most students to learn another language and to be limited to two languages is kind of sad.

Anywhere from 43-50% of people can speak two languages and it would be nice to have more options. For example, a new kid has moved to Sequim recently and can speak French but close to no one can understand him because they don’t know French. So, if French was an option anyone taking the class could learn from him and speak/understand him.

Knowing another language is a skill that can be used to help others understand and help with travelling. If you are planning to travel the world after high school, then knowing another language is one of the best things to have in your skill set. It allows you to connect on a different level with a person. And if someone else is traveling and they can’t understand people because of their language then you could be the key to them getting around.

Lucas Enges