Student Athletes "Defend" Sports Program

Monica Buchanan: Reporter / Mark Hahn: Photog&Editor

Dozens of East Granby high school students teamed up to protest proposed cuts to the school's sports program.

Dozens of East Granby high school students teamed up to protest proposed cuts to the school's sports program.

"It's not just the athletic part that I enjoy.? It teaches kids to be a part of a team.? You need to have self determination and respect for other people," said Melissa Kulik, an 11th grader.

The students had plenty of determination as they tried to earn the Board of Education's respect.? On Monday night, they exercised their first amendment rights and their fingers making poster after poster begging the Board to find the money somewhere.

"Sports is a community builder for East Granby and it bring everyone together," said Shannon Dempsey, a student at East Granby High School.

Under the proposed budget, the Board of Education would cut funding for coaches and transportation for the athletic program.? The school's gym would also be closed on Saturdays.

Board members were drilled by emotional students, parents and coaches about the lack of funding.

"When we look back at our time in East Granby, one of the things people are going to remember is going to all the sporting events.? To take that from us is ridiculous," said Ken Oakes, a senior.

"Will we have every dollar we need for everything we do in the district this year, next year?? Probably not.? The question is how close are we going to be, how far are we going to be?" said Jeff Clark, the Board of Education chairperson.

Parents offered to pitch in more money for the town's pay to play program to help make up the funding gap.

"There are life lessons you learn being on a team," said Rob Kulik, president of the booster club.
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Posted Monday, Jun 13, 2011 - 11:00 PM EDT

Source: http://feeds.nbcconnecticut.com/click.phdo?i=e0fdb25131307f30b5fd504890cd93d2

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