FW baseball gets job done

I would like to acknowledge and immensely thank the entire Federal Way High School baseball team, coaches and players’ parents who gave up their Saturday to come out to the baseball field and work for nine hours improving the playing condition of the field. It’s amazing to me that in one week, a work party was organized with 32 players, four coaches and about 15 parent volunteers; supplies and machinery were donated; and a full spread of food and drinks were provided.

For the past five months, I have tried to obtain some interest or attention through the Federal Way school district to our dysfunctional baseball facility. After being told that no funds were available, I suggested ways to entice business donations through institutional advertising. Instead of working with me on alternative solutions, I was sent copies of ridiculous district policies concerning advertising monies for “enhancement of academic achievements” only. According to the school district, sports and other out-of-classroom activities, such as band, leadership clubs, choir, cheerleading, chess clubs, do not enhance academic achievements. I am in total shock and disbelief that the officials running this school system would offer students well-structured activities and not consider them an enhancement to academics.

And maybe that’s why 32 players, four coaches and about 15 parents could spend one day making some much-needed improvements with very short notice. They knew what needed to be done and took care of it. The Federal Way High School baseball team, along with their parents are state champions. I once heard a comment made by Joe Ganem, former member of the Federal Way Sister City Association: “Never underestimate baseball families. I’ve seen them pull off miracles.” So have I, Joe.

Susan Ishikawa

Federal Way

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