I am a third-generation native of La Plata County and a Durango High School alumnus. Although I was never a naturally athletic kid, I always enjoyed attending and cheering on my fellow classmates as they battled it out. Some of my fondest memories were at football, volleyball, baseball and basketball games.
After graduating I moved away, and was blessed to be able to return a few years ago. Right away, I got copies of the Demons' schedules, but I was dismayed to see how few of the students turned out on a regular basis. Then, I learned students are charged a substantial admission, and it was plain to see why attendance is consistently poor.
Home sporting events are an important part of the high school experience, not just for the athletes, but for the entire student body. Participation through cheering on classmates has many positive effects for individual students and for the school community as a whole.
Charging students to attend is a counterintuitive and economically punitive measure. The funds raised through admissions for students are minimal and can easily be recouped in alternative ways.
Why is it important to make money off our kids?
In order to increase crowd size, build community in the student body, foster camaraderie and help all students succeed, this move would be an easy way to advance the goal of making DHS the #1 high school in Colorado.
Heath Rowe
Durango
