Dear Editor:

The recent defunding of the media program at Wawasee High School is short-sighted for multiple reasons. First, think about how media is impacting each of us every day — and is growing. Preparing students for jobs in this fast-growing industry makes good sense. Killing it is irresponsible.

Secondly, Jeremy Van Lue, the WHS leader and teacher for this program, is not only a great leader/teacher, but also someone who has engaged with the community for the benefit of the community and the high school.

Here’s proof: Jeremy has been an integral participant in more than 15 Chautauqua-Wawasee music and patriotic speaker programs held at WHS since 2019. I understand the enrollment problem, but given the big investment in the WHS Music Arts Center and its relationship with the media program, the decision seems short-sighted and deserves a more thorough analysis.

Mark Knecht
President
Chautauqua-Wawasee
Syracuse