Durham, Freeport, and Pownal are being asked to privately fund a track and field project at Freeport High School. Some have asked, “Isn’t the current field good enough?” Simply put, no. We currently have no track at all and the grass field at the high school is often unplayable.

But our need for a track and field is much more than bricks and mortar. A lack of quality facilities limits our students’ education and ability to grow. The National Federation of State High School Associations believes school sports and the fine arts teach pride in community, self-discipline, citizenship, and sportsmanship. The link between sports and physical and emotional development has been demonstrated. The State of Maine Learning Results has provided a framework for linking interscholastic athletics to educational objectives. Sports help students learn and grow as collaborative and quality workers, become creative and practical problem solvers, teach clear and effective communication, and promote self-directed and lifelong learners.

Healthy and physically fit students go hand in hand with healthy and productive minds. We know how important the arts are for our students, and academics, arts, and athletics are all important components in a tripod of quality education. Regional School Unit 5 is already providing the necessary facilities for academics and arts through the Freeport Performing Arts Center and the renovation of Freeport High School. Now is the time for the third leg of the educational tripod to be completed.

Please consider donating to this worthy cause. When we build it they will run.

Nelson Larkins
Freeport 


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