To the editor:

Hats off to Jeff VanDerford and the South Whidbey Record for your excellent coverage of South Whidbey High School students and the Class of 2009 (June 17). To echo the words of Principal Rob Prosch, the marvelous spirit of SWHS students is already making a huge difference in the lives of Island County youths who are in foster care.

We are grateful to you, SWHS students, for your compassionate response to the mission of KidsDream — to help fulfill the dreams of Island County youths, who are in foster care by linking them with opportunities to develop their skills, talents and self-esteem and to promote involvement by the entire community in achieving this goal.

Your generous support is paving the way. It is opening doors that are too-often closed. Because you care, local youths are going to be able to participate in camps and other summer activities that would otherwise be out of financial reach for them. These opportunities do not come easily. Your generous support is helping make KidsDream come true!

This successful Culminating Project was led by Class of 2009 member Jackie Johnson. Jackie set out to affect the community in a positive way. It is this team’s good fortune that Jackie chose KidsDream as a focus for her desire to make a difference. Jackie led this successful project with heart, with humor and grace and with hard work.

Thank you Jackie and thank you all, South Whidbey youths. Thank you for your exceptional and marvelous spirit. Our community is better off because you care!

Patti Carroll

KidsDream Team – Island County