Building a performing arts center at Greely High School will give our students the opportunity to learn invaluable, lifelong skills. Most people recognize that student athletes learn things like discipline, dedication, and teamwork. But not everyone is interested in sports. Fortunately, students can develop those same skills through other activities, including the performing arts. The cast and crew of our amazing drama performances and the musicians in our award-winning bands learn discipline, dedication, and teamwork, too. But they learn so much more, like self-confidence, effective communication, and public speaking. These skills will help them throughout their careers, in any field they pursue. The public speaking skills I learned in drama serve me every day in my role as an engineer at BIW, whether directing my team or presenting to a Navy audience. Our kids deserve a quality facility with the space and the tools to cultivate these essential skills.

Robert B. Beagan
Cumberland