As I drove from Pend Oreille County to Oak Harbor last weekend, I was impressed by high schools I saw along the way —- modern, with adjacent sports complexes that would make any Oak Harbor high schooler drool — in some of the poorest counties in the state. Pend Oreille ranks number 35 in per capita income, Stevens 38, Ferry 39 (last), Okanogan 30. Farther west, the economy improves considerably in Whatcom (15), Skagit (10), and Island (5).

Nearby, remodeled Anacortes High School has a co-located sports complex and a fine auditorium. Even tiny Coupeville’s high school has an auditorium that is excellent for concerts.

A word to those who say sports benefit only “jocks” and should be pursued only outside of school. Nearly every high school in the nation has a sports program. Get used to it! Also, how likely is it that the Navy pilot flying over your house or the airline captain on your vacation never participated in football or track?

Another word to those who say an auditorium (a.k.a “performing arts center”) would benefit only “artsy” folks who like to “preen” in front of their friends. Our high school is the only one in Island County without a decent auditorium for band, chorus, and orchestra concerts, school plays and other assemblies. Anybody who has sat or performed in “multi-useless” Parker Hall knows how bad it is, both in acoustics and comfort.

Those who denigrate the value of the performing arts turn a blind eye to a well-established link between musical performance and excellence in math and science.

The bottom line: Although Oak Harbor is the largest city in the fifth most affluent county in the state, our high school compares badly to those in small towns in its poorest areas. Support the recent plan, propose a better alternative, or move.

James M. Bruner

Oak Harbor