To the editor:
I am incredibly proud to have been able to shape the development of young people in our community over the last 40 years. As a track and cross-country coach, I have seen thousands of student-athletes develop the skills necessary to meet the challenges of everyday life. While many have become champions, most have done something more important: develop the confidence to be successful adults.
Sports teach us to deal with the difficult circumstances we will face daily. It teaches teamwork and provides opportunities for young adults to learn the value of involvement and how their efforts can make a difference for others.
Many of you may remember when Caribou High School was considered to have one of the state’s best athlete facilities. Even though our location is not the most desirable geographically for downstate schools to travel to, we often hosted championship events. This has gradually changed due to the financial restrictions put on our community as our population and business community have declined. The result has been a piecemeal approach to maintaining what we have. Thus, there has been a gradual decline in the quality of our facilities and the opportunities we can provide our students.
Athletics can make a massive difference in the growth and development of a student. It provides peer groups that allow students to develop confidence and a sense of belonging. This can be one of the greatest gifts we provide our students.
Investing in our school facilities keeps us on a level playing field with the schools we compete against throughout the state. It also can enhance the growth of our community. We are currently seeing this. The Caribou Community School is filled to capacity as families choose Caribou as their residence. Any investment that grows our community or incentivizes our young people to stay here instead of moving away can only have a long-term positive economic effect.
With these thoughts in mind, I encourage you to vote on the school facilities bond issue on the ballot on Nov. 7. This investment will provide dividends to our current student population and future generations of Caribou citizens.
Roy Alden
Madawaska Lake
