Thank you for your wonderful article regarding the four exceptional students at Port Townsend High School who are building an outdoor basketball court for our community. So often, teens are looked at as unambitious, or slackers, or trouble-makers. These four young men are completely the opposite.

They have planned this project since their freshman year when they saw the dilapidated and unusable court gathering weeds. As their senior project, they have worked tirelessly to create a plan, coordinate with the school administration, work with local construction companies, and write a grant for the first $5,000 toward the $20,000 total cost to build the court.

These fine boys planned this project not only to supply basketball fans with opportunities to play year-round, it is also filling a huge need to supply opportunities for youth to be engaged in healthy, positive activities. The court location is on a pathway to a more discreet spot where students sometimes hang out, not always for the best reasons, and these boys hope it will serve as a deterrent to less desirable behaviors. The welcoming design for the court will attract youth to spend time together both playing basketball and being courtside observers encouraging their friends. Adults are welcome, too.

To fulfill the total cost of $20,000 for creating the court, these boys have set up a “GoFundMe” account. If you can, please contribute to their efforts. Currently, they are $10,000 shy of their goal.

We need to show these outstanding young men that the community supports their good work that will provide an opportunity to serve youth and adults for years to come. Here is the link to donate: gofund.me/97ad0b8c.

Laura Tucker
PORT TOWNSEND