Dear editor:

We are all blessed with the opportunity to live in the greatest place in the world and have one of, if not the best school districts in the country. Even though as local Powell patrons we all strive to work together and make this the best community we can, we still have our struggles.

It has become a growing concern of mine on how a few of our community members want to utilize social media as a way to chastise, bully, contradict, disrespect and demoralize a few of our local high school coaches. While everyone is entitled to an opinion on playing time or strategy, airing these grievances publicly on Facebook is a form of digital bullying and defamation that serves no one — least of all the student-athletes.

I also think it’s a way to hide behind a closed door rather than confront the situation head on and in a professional and respectful manner. Publicly attacking a coach — who often volunteers their time for a modest stipend — creates a hostile environment that leads to coach burnout and high turnover. More importantly, it sets a poor example for our children, teaching them that the solution to conflict is public shaming rather than direct, respectful communication.

Using social media to "vent" only undermines team cohesion and may even jeopardize a child's future whether it be recruitment opportunities, friendships or how to handle difficult situations later in life in their own professions. We need to be creating a younger generation with some thick skin, grit and good attitudes which will help them succeed for the remainder of their lives. It is time we return to handling situations and disagreement with integrity and respect.

Our behavior should mirror the titles we hold in our community.  With all the social media broadcast and negative perception this may bring to our local coaches, I would hope that our local school district has a clear eye and can see through the negative attitudes and continue to support our coaches and faculty. If a few unruly and unappreciative parents can determine the future of a coach’s career in Powell athletics, then we will be hard pressed to find any qualified coaches in years to come.

I would like to send out a prayer for all to find happiness and joy in their hearts and be able to sit back and enjoy their students' time at PHS (especially if they are seniors). It’s time we stand up and do better for the sake and future of our youth. 

Sincerely

Heath Worstell

Powell