June 14, 2006
Wednesday

This is a copy of the email I sent to each of the School Board member I have been privledged to serve with over the past year.

Dear School Board Members,

Over the past school year it has been my honor to serve alongside all of you as the KGB School board s student member. During this past year I have gained a lot of respect for the School board, the political process, and most of all you who essentially donated their time and energy for a most worthy cause. Each one of you devoted individuals bring a different quality and expertise to the table each meeting and I hope that on Wednesday along with those qualities and expertise you will bring support for one of the most selfless individuals I have ever known, Mr. Larry Eklund.

With my graduation over and my family s vacation underway I was glad to enjoy some rest and relaxation until I received a call that informed me that Principal Eklund was to be demoted. Upon hearing the news I was in disbelief- how could a man so committed to a school in every way be treated so poorly? He is respected by the faculty, students and community yet he is demoted on the last day of the school year? What a slap in the face. This is a man who amongst immense personal hardships has come to work each day still striving with all his might to make the school a better place for everyone.

Mr. Larry Eklund is much more than a principal in the Ketchikan High School; he is a leader, volunteer, role model, and so much more. It is no mistake that this year s senior class gave him the honor of speaking at graduation. Personally he is an individual that I have immeasurable respect for not because of his position, but because of his integrity, selflessness, intelligence, compassion, professionalism, and dedication to others.

If indeed it is your decision as a school board to demote Mr. Eklund, I fear the backlash that will ensue out the action. To replace a man who has earned and I repeat EARNED so much respect and admiration in a school that he has given so much to, in a manner that this has gone about is to some people unforgivable. Please understand that this fact is in no way, or intended to be threat of any kind. Simply an entire school and community are behind this man and disrespect shown to him will be felt by many.

It is my wish that come Wednesday each of you will act with the same integrity that I have seen each of you posses over the past year and support Mr. Larry Eklund. Again I thank you all for the kindness and respect you have shown me over the past year and more importantly I ask that you show that same kindness and respect to a more deserving individual. Please support Mr. Eklund and prove to me that the respect I have gained for all of you is well deserved.

Sincerely,
Connor Pihl

About: Connor Pihl is a 2006 graduate of Ketchikan High School. He was the 2005/2006 SBA President and School Board student member.

 

Write a Letter -------Read Letters

E-mail the Editor

Sitnews
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska