Reader thanks the staff of Columbia Basin Secondary School

I would like to publicly thank the staff (past and current) of Columbia Basin Secondary School for all you have done for our students, their families and our community. Your time, dedication, commitment and heart will not be forgotten.

I know there are many exceptional employees within the Moses Lake School District, but to have the staff of an entire school rise to that level is truly rare. Columbia Basin Secondary is that school.

I vowed I would never send a child of mine to a school full of delinquents and misfits. Then I actually visited the school and realized my stereotypical attitude couldn't have been farther from the truth. Walking into CBSS, it didn't take long to actually feel the difference in the atmosphere. It's a very special kind of positive community and family feeling. The staff (from security, custodians, teachers, secretaries, principals and everyone in between) are the heart of t! hat family. The personal connection they've had with so many students has made such a positive impact on theirs lives and in turn in our community.

The decision of the school administration and school board to close CBSS at the end of this school year was evident in the emotions at the 30th and final graduation of CBSS. While I believe looking back at this through the filters of history will prove it to be a short sighted decision, elimination of this school will never negate the positive example and influence the staff has had.

It has been an honor to be associated with Columbia Basin Secondary School and to be a part of the Phoenix Family.

Karen Pope

Moses Lake