To the Editor:
Berne-Knox-Westerlo Esports is a program where kids can play video games after school with their friends. It is offered to anyone, and so you can meet many new people! You can also join a team with students who play the same game to compete against other schools.

I like esports because of all the tournaments you can compete in. It is really cool to play in person with other schools because it is always fun to meet people with the same interests as you!

I play on a varsity Rocket League team with Nate (12th grade) and Gigi (10th grade) and it is very fun to play with them. Our team was ranked number one at the Hudson Valley Gamer Con in 2022 and this year we were named number one at the Claim to Fame 3rd Annual Esports Showcase at the MVP Arena.

I would also like to mention our amazing coach and founder of the esports program, Mr. [William] Dergosits! He helps so much and is always very supportive. He is the one that finds all of these tournaments and opportunities for us!

Esports matters to me because I get to do what I love, and now I get to do it with other people who love it just as much as me. It has also impacted me greatly because of all the opportunities that I have been provided.

Since our team is number one in the state, me and my team have been looked at by colleges that might offer us scholarships in the future. We are also playing in a tournament next week that is hosted by some of those colleges so that they can scout out players.

I hope people consider how important esports and other extracurriculars are when they vote on the BKW school budget.

Max Needham

BKW seventh-grader