To the Editor:

My name is Rory Flynn. I am in sixth grade at the Oyster River Middle School. I am writing this letter in my room where I have all my football trophies proudly displayed. My family has had so many fond memories made watching and playing football and every time I head on to the field I feel that joy that nothing can replace.

Football has taught me so many things. Most of these things will help me later on in life, whether it’s academically or socially. Some of the things football has taught me are sportsmanship, discipline, and a good work ethic.

To take football away from me and my teammates would be like not letting a teacher teach or not letting an artist draw or not letting you edit the newspaper. It would be taking something that means so much to us and just preventing us from doing it.

I know the risks of football and my teammates know the risks. But most importantly, my parents know the risks. We all know what could happen to us while playing. Playing football in high school won’t be a terrible influence. If anything, it will help us build so many characteristics to help us later on in life.

I hope the School Board lets us have a cooperative agreement and we can keep doing our favorite thing. Thank you for your consideration.

Rory Flynn, Madbury