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Show I A-13 www.parkrecord.com WED/THU/FRI, MAY6-8, 2009 A subdued Cinco de Mayo I n past years, Parkites have celebrated Cinco de Mayo by honoring Mexican traditions and building bridges with our Latino friends and neighbors. But this year there were no fiestas or pinatas at the schools. Instead the day served as a somber reminder of the multitude of challenges facing Mexico and its people. It has been a difficult year for Park City residents in general. The economy has taken a significant toll that is being felt even more keenly now that the shoulder season has arrived and among those hardest hit have been immigrants who work in Park City's construction and service industries. Few of them have the safety nets afforded American-born residents. Unfortunately, some would say that they don't deserve them. Undocumented aliens, they claim, should not receive welfare, health care or other services that help citizens in hard times. We would argue, though, that many immigrants have come at our behest, have worked for the benefit of the whole community and now, whether documented or undocumented, deserve TWO) REtlRk ONE VI5UM. MUtR... our wholehearted and compassionate support. Facing the potential of tougher immigration enforcement here in the United States, coupled with an economic meltdown, chaos and violence (and now an epidemic) in their hometowns south of the border, many immigrants are caught in the middle - unable to return home and afraid to stay here. The worsening situation for local immigrants has intensified their struggles to make ends meet, to keep their families intact and to stay healthy. That, in turn, could make the entire community more vulnerable to crime and disease. So, even though we are not marking this Cinco de Mayo with margaritas and salsa, we would encourage Park City residents to make an additional effort to reach out to the Mexican immigrants who live in our midst. Like the rest of us, they are trying to bolster their spirits in the face of so many global uncertainties. We welcomed them with open arms when business was booming and now we are one community. We will benefit most by facing those challenges and uncertainties. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (Editor's note: This letter, and some of the others reprinted below, were also addressed to officials at the Park City Board of Education and Park City High School.) Players could miss chance of a lifetime athletic competitions due to the H1N1 virus, we urge you to support the efforts of the school's administration to reverse the decision, and let our kids play. Our son is a baseball player, cocaptain, and one of nine seniors on the baseball team. He's played baseball since he could walk, and has played with most of the other seniors on his team his entire career. As families we have supported our kids, traveling around the state to be able to play outside, endured humbling losses and celebrated precious victories. This year, the boys have a shot at not just a regional championship, but a state championship. Some will go on to play ball in college, others will not, but all are passionate in their desire to play their best for their school and their team, families and community. For some, playing in these state championship tournament games may be their last shot at exposure to college scouts, and where and if they play ball in college. These boys are healthy, and willing to be tested for H1N1 to reassure teammates and opponents. The boys and their families are willing to do whatever it takes so that this team can finish their season. They have invested so much, and to dismiss it because of unsubstantiated fear would be tragic. Editor: As of this writing, we are aware of one confirmed case of the H1N1 virus now in Park City. Because of this, there is word getting out (unofficially) that our spring sports are facing the possibility of having their remaining games forfeited, of playoff participation canceled. And as several of our team sports have accomplished much this season, the chances of their finishing the season and possibly being barred from playing in their respective postseason playoffs may be in jeopardy. As of this (Monday) morning, the H1N1 virus is currently found in 19 states, and approximately 141 cases have been documented. Although this is a virus to be cautious about, we respect the decisions of the Park City School District to close the district as a precautionary measure. Yet as we are the only school in Utah to close their district and postpone all school-related sports activities, we do feel unjustly Heidi & Bob Hughes persecuted by the USHAA, by pos- Park City sibly having to forfeit remaining games and be excluded from state playoff competition in our respective sports. To subject one school district to possible forfeiture of their spring seasons, and possibly tournament Editor: play would be very unfortunate. My name is Marshall Crawford Many of our graduating seniors will and I am a senior on the Park City not have the opportunity to close High School baseball team. This postout their high school athletic careers season is the last time I will be playing as their predecessors have; and we with this group of kids, and all of us also need to consider the top-tier just want the chance to compete in athletes - many who are still being the tournament. Please let us play our recruited and evaluated by college last games as seniors before we go to coaches and scouts. To deny them college. this opportunity may have lifelong repercussions. At present, we are not aware of Marshall Crawford any PCHS baseball player to have Park City contracted the H1N1 virus, and an informal poll of many of the baseball families indicates a willingness to be tested prior to further play to ensure the safety of other players, the players and coaches from opposing teams, and officials. Editor: In closing, we understand the As a parent of a Park City High timing of the school closure is unfor- School senior, I am urging the school's tunate, but we have to encourage administration to please make sure those looking into the matter to use that the baseball team in Park City good judgment to develop a solu- continues to finish their winning seation that will eventually allow each son. It would be a shame if these boys athletic team to finish their season, were not allowed tofinishregion play, and compete in state playoffs if they go to the playoffs and hopefully finish are qualified to do so. To do other- first in state. There are nine seniors on wise would penalize only the ath- this team that deserve to be heard letes, families of the Park City from and their parents. These boys School District. We support the are not sick, there are no confirmadecisions of the Park City School tionsfromthe high school, and this flu District, and look forward to hear- is not any^ more virulent than the ing an update of their discussions "normal" type A influenza. with the USHAA. I know that the boys and the parents are willing to do whatever it Teri Whitney takes so that this team can finish their season as it started years and years Park City ago. These boys have worked so hard and long and to dismiss it because someone is fearful is, at the least, overreactive and short-sighted. Let's sit down and have an open dialogue with common sense and factual information to come to a concluEditor: sion that would allow the boys to finAs parents of a Park City High ish their season and also calm everySchool senior athlete impacted by one's fears. the recent decision to close the If we had had a confirmation of school and suspend/cancel further Don't deny seniors their last chance Influenza is no cause for hysteria Don't let flu fears derail dream season the type A influenza in Park City, would we be closing schools for days? Having this hysteria? We have cases of influenza every year by the dozens. We write letters home explaining precautions to parents, get back to normal activities and move forward. I believe that the community has been given plenty of warning, know what to look for and also know what to expect. I also believe as a community that they would support the PCHS sports teams to be allowed to finish their seasons. Many have college scholarships on the line and coaches coming to watch them play in the state playoffs. It would be a shame for these kids who have not only excelled in school, but also in sports, be turned away from one of the most memory filled weeks of their high school careers. Please let's work together to see their dreams come full circle. Dawn Molinaro Park City Let the kids play ball Editor: My name is Michael Crawford. My son, Marshall, is a senior at Park City High School. Please consider his plea and that of his teammates to be able to compete. Thank you in advance for your consideration of our requests. I know your job is not only difficult at times but also very complex. An overreaction to not letting the students play would be just as irresponsible as not doing anything considering the positive tests, if we follow the CDC's recommendations to not overreact but to follow their guidelines of limiting the threat of spreading. Those recommendations include hand washing, staying away from sick people, and getting tested immediately if symptoms are present. I believe as a school district working with the health department we can facilitate athletic events without endangering our children. Thanks for taking the time to read our letters. as parents feel that the district and the UHSAA have not entirely thought through the ramifications of their decisions. There are several athletes who are currently being evaluated for college scholarships and other professional opportunities to play in their chosen sport (or activity), and many of these evaluations and visits by college coaches and scouts typically occur at the end of the regular season and post-season tournament play. Therefore, there is a possibility that these athletes' collegiate and professional careers are in jeopardy. Should you have any interest in throwing a spotlight on this issue, we would greatly appreciate your assistance. Lee Morin Park City Healthy students are biggest victims Editor: In the spirit of doing what's best for the youth of Park City schools, I support the advice of Utah Governor Huntsman & state health officials, as well as President Obama and our national CDC health officials, to remain calm and not panic, to be vigilant, but not overreact and take precautions by following swine-flu safety tips. Recognizing the magnitude of the decisions you have to make, I hope you will please lend a student's point-of-view and consideration to the overwhelming majority of youth who are not sick, contagious or have not been exposed. The Park City High School students, particularly the seniors, both academically and sports-wise, have all worked very hard and for them this will be their last opportunity to participate in activities that are being cancelled. Many will lose college placement and scholarship opportunities at universities who have shown interest in them. It seems that while all of our school, health and athletic officials have the students' best interest, health and welfare in mind, the high school students who are not Let the kids play! sick are the ones that have been and continue to be the biggest victims Michael Crawford of this serious situation. Hopefully, Park City the decision to err on the side of caution, by closing all Park City schools and canceling all activities last Thursday (state soccer playoffs, track, baseball, softball, prom events, etc.) and now through at least May 10, will not continue to eliminate these memorable experiences for our seniors. Editor: My name is Lee Morin, a Park With today's global and mobile City, Utah resident, and parent of a society (who is to say who is potentialgraduating senior at Park City High ly contagious with this flu?), it would School. I am writing to share with you be impossible to isolate Park City my concerns as to how the UHSAA schools as the only infected area and (Utah High School Activities say the rest of Utah (except Judge Association and the Park City School Memorial) is immune to any potential District) may be considering the can- swine flu or contagious persons. It cellation of the spring sports sched- would seem discriminatory to ules, due to today's (Saturday's) con- exclude the Park City High School firmation that a Park City student has soccer team from competing in the contracted H1N1 virus. state 3A soccer tournament, when As most families in Park City, we our players are not ill (and would be applaud the decision of the district to willing to be tested) and are as close district schools. However, in healthy and non-contagious as any doing so, the decision may also possi- other team in the tournament. bly cause the district and UHSAA to Since Park City played Wasatch cancel the spring sports of baseball, just last Monday and Wasatch played soccer, golf, tennis, and womenls soft- Delta and won on Thursday, and then ball, thereby forfeiting all remaining Wasatch played and lost to Logan on games during the regular season, and Saturday, wouldn't that make Logan as a result, potentially missing the an infected (contagious) team and opportunity to qualify for the upcom- thus barred from playing? The Logan ing state 3 A tournaments. High School soccer players are no Should this decision come true, we i Have officials thought of ramifications? more infected indirectly from the Park City High School soccer players than the Park City soccer players are infected indirectly from the one middle school Park City student that tested positive. Who could even contemplate, let alone isolate and track, all of the Salt Lake Valley residents that have visited Park City or Park City residents that have visited Salt Lake. Both areas have friends, relatives, and groups that have mingled, visited restaurants, movies, parks or group events together in the last two weeks. Were Park City students the only ones from Utah that have visited Mexico in the last three weeks? Again, common sense and taking precautions seem logical in this situation. Yes, my son is a senior at Park City High School and a player on the varsity Soccer team and I plead on his behalf and all other students and sports competitors that you do whatever it takes to postpone and reschedule games, events and activities for the benefit and enjoyment by our youth. With confidence, I can assure you that your dedicated efforts to make the state 3 A soccer tournament a reality for the Park City High School varsity soccer team will forever be appreciated by each player, coach and parent of these fine and deserving young men. Thank you for your dedication, efforts and desire to do what is best for our Park City youth. Your resolve to reach a positive solution and allow the Park City boys' soccer team compete in the 3A soccer tournament, as well as the other qualifying 3A schools, will not soon be forgotten. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Again, thank you. Scott Johnson Park City Please see Letters, A-14 The Park Record Staff PUBUSHEB Andy Bemhard ^ Editor Nan Chalal-Noaker Staff writare Jay Hamburger Pat Parkinson Joe Lair Greg Marshall Andrew Kirk Aliaha Self Contributing writ*™ Tom Clyde TariOrr Jay Meehan Joan Jaoobeon Larry Warren Stave PhlKpe Copy editor DavkJ Hampshire ADVERTISING ClassifiBd advertising Cristin Hicks Office manager Circulation manager Accounting manager Advertising director Advertising M I B I Kandilee Snyder Lacy Brundy Kate Fischer Valerie Deming Lori Gull Jennifer Muaial Erin Donnelly Blair Gordon Pamela Graves Photographers David Ryder Production director Matt Gordon Production Scott Schlenker Sarah Ely Pat Hamaksr |