Notes of appreciation

Editor's note: Wilke Lynn Thoene will be a junior this fall at Sandusky High School. Thoene submitted this letter to the editor in the days prior to Lucas Poggiali accepting a job with Margaretta Schools and Jamaris Brown being named Sandusky's new football coach. Due to recent events at Sandusky Schools, two beloved staff members declined promotions, and their futures in the district are uncertain. The "protests," both within the school buildings and in the community — including online platforms, which really amounted to bullying — were said to have been for the "for the good of the students." We students were not asked our opinions, however, and didn't have a say. These teachers deserve to know that they are appreciated. I do not consider myself an athlete. I had only met Coach Lucas Poggiali a handful of times, but I could tell how much he cared for students. The first time I heard him talk was at a Great Lakes and Visual Performing Arts meeting. He was excited for his new position and to give back to the community. He had big plans, I could tell. Mr. Poggiali is a wonderful person, and I am glad to have known him. The fact he was even involved in educational aspects, such as the arts — even though his focus was athletics — is an impressive mark in his favor. I am not the only one to see how amazing he is. Following are some opinions from other Sandusky students, the people who should have been consulted in the first place, before anyone claimed to speak in our name. "Coach Poggiali is a great coach and hard-working man. He came back to our school to build up the program. Due to the inconsiderate actions of certain faculty, we have driven away our first steps toward athletic success and forgotten that the students are the ones who will experience the downfall." — Donovan Gant "Coach P has a strong, passionate heart when it comes to his football players and he's very easy to communicate with." — Jaimere Martin "He is very engaged with his students and very, very kind. He continues to help out the choir even though that is far from his field and cares for all the students, not just his own. No comment on the arguments over his new position at the school, only for the fact that I don't know him well enough to form one. But what I do know is that nobody deserves to have their own life and family's life threatened, especially when he is so kind and gave up so much for this community. He devoted all he had to Sandusky and the people within it, and, in return, was treated very poorly." — Chloe Goodsite "Dear Mr. Poggiali, I know I don't know you personally, but I just want you to know that among the times where I have seen or interacted with you, you have seemed genuinely dedicated and interested to our school and the kids. I am sure young lives have changed from your work and kindness. Your hard work and passion have been seen by students just merely observing at school and I hope that you don't take the negative comments to heart. I also have seen your support to the band and other teams and activities and that is appreciated by many other kids. Never stop making your mark." — Natalie Wightma Coach Jamaris Brown also withdrew his application, in part due to Mr. Poggiali's resignation, but also because Coach Brown received threats against himself and his family. While I have never met him personally, many students also had amazing things to say about him. "Coach Brown is really kind and funny. He's also good at keeping his students in line." — Tommi Thoene "Coach Brown is a straightforward and determined person." — Jaimere Martin "As a student of Sandusky City Schools, I would like to say that I support Lucas for AD and Coach Brown for head football coach. They were who were selected, and I (felt) they (were) right for the job." — Brooklynn Hunter The people who were supposed to care for us students above all, let us down, allowing harassment and bullying to triumph in place of logic. The adults had their own plans, and limited our opportunities as a result. Please share these words and let the district know how we, the students, feel. Slandering and libeling someone for your own agenda is never acceptable, especially when your supposed "reason" never had a say. "I am sad for the students attending Sandusky City Schools. This is a big loss for them and the community as a whole. Losing two young, positive role models, professional men who want to be in Sandusky. Live and breathe Sandusky, would have (most likely) retired from Sandusky; it is a shame. We love you Coach Brown and Coach Poggiali, you both will be in my prayers no matter where life takes you from here. Love, Meredith Kashti." Thank you Mr. Poggiali and Coach Brown, you deserved better and we wish you all the best.