My name is Owen Anderson, most of you might know me through the various sports I played throughout high school.
I am currently attending Bemidji State University playing baseball as a walk-on freshman. It came to my attention a couple of days ago that the tax levy is going to be brought back up to vote and if not passed there could be cuts made to the athletics at Cook County High School.
This is very concerning. Sports are what gave me the drive to be who I am; they have shaped me into the person that I am today. I am so thankful to grow up in such a loving and supporting community. I am proud to say that I am a Cook County Viking and was able to represent this great community.
The possibility of this being taken away from other kids is unacceptable. Even though there would be an increase in taxes, I believe that every kid should have the opportunity that I had growing up. Shouldn’t we come together as a community and do what is right for the younger generations? Don’t you want them to say that they are proud to be a Viking?
I am grateful for a lot of things in life and sports is one of the top ones. I have made friendships that are going to last a lifetime with people that I can’t imagine not having in my life. Sports have opened up unimaginable things for me in life. I am currently competing for scholarships on the baseball team here at Bemidji State University.
Why take away great opportunities like this for other kids? If sports can help a family push a kid through school, as a community, isn’t that what we want? To watch our kids succeed and become the best person they can be? It’s not just about seeing who’s the fastest runner, running a ball across the goal line, or hitting a ball with a stick. There are bonds that will never be broken, life lessons that will never be forgotten, and many doors that can be opened.
So Cook County, I am asking you as a former Cook County Viking and a current Bemidji State Beaver to please vote and pass the levy. You aren’t just helping a single kid; you are helping an entire community. Thank you and God Bless.
Owen Anderson
Grand Marais/Bemidji
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