As a former student and athlete and now a coach at Vashon High School, I want to encourage everyone to vote yes for both propositions on the ballot.

Prop. 1 would enhance the education for our youth by creating a better learning environment in the classrooms and making our campus as safe and secure as possible. Many of these facilities are in need of a major upgrade, which was evident when I was a student attending VHS.

As for Prop. 2 and the issue of a new all-weather track, the old cinder surface now in use does not meet state athletic code requirements and has not been used for competition for some time. Very few high schools still use cinder as a running surface.

Athletics as well as band and drama all serve a purpose in the overall development of our youth. There are many life lessons to be learned from these avenues. Track and field attracts a diverse range of student participation — from those who hope to compete at the state meet to those who have never tried out for a sport before. And all of them get to participate and see competition.

As a coach I have seen a lot of positive benefits from these student athletes. Even if these kids don’t make a career out of running, jumping or throwing, they are gaining self-confidence, forming good habits and developing leadership skills that will carry over into other areas of their lives.

Our track and field participants from both VHS and McMurray have one thing in common: They would once again love to compete at home in front of their community. Please join me as I cross the finish line by voting “yes” to both propositions.

— Kevin Ross