Dear those who are affected by the closing of North,

Do not calm down. You have the right to be upset.

I recently read an article that the closing of North is not a big deal. Those who did not attend North, whose children did not attend North and did not teach at North may not think it is a big deal. But the ones who went to North, had children that attended North, worked at North and live in the areas surrounding North are extremely affected.

The closing of North is not just affecting the students and their parents, it is also affecting the teachers. Thirty one hard working teachers are losing their jobs. These teachers went to a four year university, studied extremely hard, passed their teaching licensure examinations, and have student loans. They earned the jobs they were given at Lincoln-Way North and now they are out of a job. Imagine being one of these teachers. Imagine having a job at a beautiful school, filled with amazing students and astounding teachers, then all at once having it all taken away from you.

Imagine being a student that went to Lincoln-Way North. Personally my time at North was one that I will never forget. I loved every single minute I spent in that school. North wasn't just a school, it was a home. I spent more time at North with the teachers and my peers than I did at home with my family. I made connections with teachers that will never fade, I made friendships that have changed my life. I grew up in that school, and it is where I found myself. Don't tell me that I can't be upset that my high school is closing. That school is where I realized what I was made of. Running hundreds of laps on that beautiful red track with my coaches, peers and members of the community cheering me on is when I realized I belonged in that school. There was never a day where I didn't feel the Phoenix pride while walking the halls.

Now, imagine being a parent in the surrounding community of North. A parent who works extremely hard for their children to attend an amazing school. The taxes our parents are paying to live in the areas surrounding North is ridiculous. But they pay these extremely high taxes so their children can attend the best school in the community. Imagine knowing that all of your hard earned money was put towards a dog training facility and not towards their child's education. Don't get me wrong, I know that everyone else's taxes in the 210 District is going towards everything that happened at North, but their child did not attend North. Their child's eight year old school is not closing.

I understand what's done is done. I know that the decision will not change. I know there are people who will continue to fight for North to stay open, I know there are people who think this is all not a big deal. But always remember this, the Phoenix will rise again.

So for one last time, "Hail to the Phoenix rising, Hail to the fire eternal, Hail!, Hail! To Lincoln-Way, the black and the gold. Born from the ash of valor, soaring with strength and power, Hail!, Hail! To Lincoln-Way the Champions from the North."

Sincerely,

Colleen MacDougall

Lincoln-Way North Class of 2014

Forever a Phoenix

Go Phoenix!