Letter to the Editor: Thank you, Cordova

Cordova, Alaska. (Oct. 20, 2019) Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times
Cordova, Alaska. (Oct. 20, 2019) Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times

The Thanksgiving season is here, and a collective thank you is due to all of Cordova for rallying to battle state budget cuts in ferry service.

Travel for school activities is one of the things that could have been severely impacted, and this community has stepped up with incredible support to keep these programs going.

Extracurricular activities are a key part of Cordova’s education program, and the lessons learned go far beyond making a free throw or playing an instrument.

Trips on the ferry and bus rides throughout Alaska teach life skills, including responsibility, discipline, camaraderie and dedication, as well as insight to just how big and diverse our state is.

Traveling with Cordova’s kids for 48 years to coach, referee and broadcast basketball has given me many an opportunity to observe these lessons, and I have always come home proud of our students. 

Amidst the rolling up of sleeping bags scattered on the floor, there are always a few groans, when in the middle of the night, the announcement comes over the ferry PA system as it rounds Salmon Point: “Cordova in 15 minutes.” 

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But there is also joy, for they are home, to a very special place.

Small schools may be somewhat limited in what classes they can offer, but because of their size, provide unlimited chances for every student to participate.

Just look at photos from a recent trip to Valdez by the junior high basketball teams and cheerleaders and tell me school activities aren’t invaluable.

Cordova has been, and always will be, in their hearts. This community makes it so.

So, on a day of thanks, a special “Thank you, Cordova.”

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