To the Editor:
My name is Brynn Ferguson, and I am a seventh-grader at Berne-Knox-Westerlo Middle School. I have been lucky enough to be involved in many activities in the eight years that I have been a student at Berne-Knox-Westerlo.

I love to play sports and this year, I was able to participate in modified soccer, modified basketball, and modified softball.

Playing sports is fun because of the games, and being part of a team is one of my favorite things. I’ve learned how to work together, work hard, and show dedication. I’ve been a leader on some of my teams, including a captain.

Some of my greatest accomplishments in my seventh-grade year were when my coach saw that I had the ability to be a leader out on the court and on the field. It makes me feel so good to know that they see how hard I work and that I am a good example to others. No matter if we win or lose, I always have my teammates by my side.

If parents had to pay for their student to participate in sports, it would be very sad for some of the families who cannot afford to pay. I know that my brother and I would probably have to pick one or two of our favorites, and that would be really hard.

I’m sure there are some kids that wouldn’t be able to play at all, and some of them really need those activities to be happy. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have sports.

I think of the basketball games where the whole town comes to watch, and it makes our community happy. Our softball team is going to the state championship this year. I want to be able to do that when I am in high school.

In addition to sports, I also am active in other after-school activities. I am a member of Student Council, 4-H, and I was just inducted into the National Junior Honor Society.

Being able to take the late bus is a very important thing when it comes to me being able to be a part of these clubs. My parents both work. My mom works all the way in Albany until 5 o’clock, and my dad works not so close to the school, until 4:30.

I would not have anyone to be able to pick me up from school after these activities if there weren’t a late bus. Also, I am in honors classes and right now preparing for a Regents test.

Our teacher stays after anytime we need any extra help or practice. He really wants us to do well and he helps me so much. If I didn’t have the ability to take a late bus, I would not be able to get the extra help so that I do well on my test.

I would be so upset if I wasn’t able to participate in these activities that I love so much. All of my classmates would be hurt by cuts to any of our programs.

Brynn Ferguson

BKW seventh-grader