To the Editor:
We could have held up “POPE LEO SAVES” posters, but we put together our “VOTE for the HIGH SCHOOL” signs and held them aloft beneath the shade of two maple trees at Five Corners on Tuesday, June 2. The sun was shining, the 1 pm traffic was mindfully pulling around corners, the mammoth trucks from the ferry maneuvering to carry their weighty burdens without uplifting the traffic police, the pedestrians, and sidewalks. We waved to the faithful fellow on his pushcart to the Steamship Authority, said hello to the taxi drivers grabbing a Cumbie’s lunch, to the few brave bikers headed to the Black Dog and the Art Cliff Diner. In the cars, always a different dog poking out a friendly head from the back window. Former teachers, former students, moms and dads with young children yet to go to school, even some visitors who said they would vote if they could, all gave thumbs up. The drivers of small trucks imprinted with signs for every possible household and property need, all waved and called out “Thank you,” many saying they were glad for the reminder to drive to the polling stations to vote.
We three have attended protests at Five Corners for decades. Soon we will be pushing our own walkers, expressing our hopes for a morally sound and healthy country. This time more than 3,448 Island residents marked “Yes” on their ballot to support the new high school. Thanks to your affirmative votes, the future high school will continue to embrace talented, capable teachers and engage students to broaden their academic and vocational goals.
A positive vote for our future. Thank you!
Dolly Campbell, Liza Coogan, and Jean Hay
Vineyard Haven