I moved to Anacortes with my family in 2008 while serving as a Naval Officer at NAS Whidbey Island. We fell in love with Anacortes—not only for its natural beauty and welcoming people, but for its strong sense of community. This is a town that believes in supporting its youth and schools to ensure the next generation is prepared to enter adulthood as engaged and productive citizens. When I retired from the Navy in 2024, our family decided to stay in Anacortes, largely because of the quality of Anacortes schools.

Anacortes schools strengthen our entire community, not just those with school-aged children. Athletics, arts, music, and clubs don’t just benefit students, they bring people together, build community pride, and create the shared experiences that define the exceptional quality of life we enjoy here.

These levies are not about spending lavishly or creating new programs. They simply maintain what we have by replacing existing local levies that fill the gap left by inadequate state funding.

As adults, I feel we have responsibility to support Anacortes children who cannot yet vote to make sure they can succeed as citizens.  I urge voters to support Anacortes schools and vote YES in February!

From L-R: Zach, AHS class of 2024, was captain of the 2023 and 2024 Anacortes swim teams and is now a sophomore at Colorado College. John, AHS class of 2029, plays lacrosse and football for AHS. Thomas, AHS class of 2023, was ASB Secretary his senior year and is currently a junior Elementary Education major at the University of Colorado.