LEVY RESULTS: A student’s viewpoint

Earlier this year, I was honored to receive the Student Excellence in the Arts award from the Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission. The majority of my acceptance speech focused on my gratitude for the community of Coeur d’Alene in cultivating and celebrating the arts. Moving to Coeur d’Alene eight years ago truly made the biggest impact on my personal musical journey. I was now in a community that supported music and the arts, and my musical abilities have been able to thrive here.

As a high school senior, not quite old enough to vote, I am so disappointed with the Coeur d’Alene levy results and the potential consequences for the next generation of musicians in our area. One of the best aspects about this community is potentially being taken away and I mourn for the future of our state. I am disheartened at the politicization of even our most common connection: basic education. Optimizing the educational opportunities for the children of our community should be a top priority; no matter political preference or personal school of attendance.

Improving educational opportunities for the least of us will surely bring out the best in all of us. As an advocate for future musicians, I know we as a community can do better. I look forward to voting myself, and in the meantime I hope my voice will be heard to support our community’s students and maintain the legacy of music and the arts that I was blessed to enjoy.

ABIGAIL STEPHENS, Coeur d’Alene

Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy