To the editor:

As the school year draws to a close and I review the many opportunities students can take advantage of, I am once again impressed with how supportive a community we live in. In coordinating the Apprenticeship Program at Langley Middle School, I ask business owners, agency directors, classroom teachers and others, over and over again if they will mentor students for an hour a day, nearly every day for a quarter, semester or school year. What I hear over and over again is, “Yes!”

Through the knowledge, guidance and patience of these generous adults, students have had opportunities to learn about small business operation, customer service, childcare and tutoring, animal health and horse training, culinary arts, cosmetology and technical theater skills. In experiencing what goes on behind the scenes and in developing relationships with caring adults, students gain confidence, develop communication skills while working with people outside of their peer group, get a taste of what having a job entails and begin to explore career choices.

I would like to express gratitude and appreciation to the owners, directors, staff and volunteers of the following establishments for the experiences and guidance they have provided by taking middle school students under their wings this past school year:

A Special Touch Grooming, Bliss Hair Salon, The Boatyard Inn, Critters & Co., Pet Center, the elementary school (classrooms of Ms. Ploof and Ms. Sage), Flat Rock Productions, Good Cheer Thrift Store, HOPE Therapeutic Riding, South Whidbey Commons Coffeehouse Bookstore, Langley Salon and Spa, Moonraker Bookstore, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Pacific Window and Door Store, Pickles Deli, Prima Bistro, Rumors Hair Salon, Star Store, Sweet Mona’s, Wander on Whidbey, Whidbey Children’s Theater, WICA, and Z-pulley. Thank you for so generously volunteering your time to mentor the young people of our community. You make a difference.

Diana Shirley, Coordinator

Langley Middle School