Letters to the Editor

Editor’s note: The following letter to the editor was submitted by Shelton High School student teacher Shalisa Smith on behalf of Lily Bennett, a student and athlete for the Highclimbers.

A letter to female athletes

Editor, the Journal,

Dear athletes,

Nobody warns you about how different things are once you are in high school sports. It is often overlooked how much things change from the time we are preteens to the time we are teens. We used to be on an even playing field with all the boys, now biology limits how much we can grow.

The most important thing I can say about this is that the change won’t happen overnight, you start noticing slowly that you are different because you are a girl. However, do not be scared of this. I know all our lives we have been told we are the same and that we can do anything a boy can do if we work hard enough. But why would we want to be the same? Because we aren’t the same. We are women. Sure, there will always be people who overlook what you do and take you less seriously because you aren’t a boy. On average female distance runners are about three minutes slower than males in the 5K. For (NCAA Division 1) recruiting standards women should be running less than 19 minutes and men should be running less than 16 minutes.

These facts are undeniable, true, and visible. But this isn’t a complaint on my part. The fact is as women we need to tear down the “American Dream” that we can do the same things as everyone else. Realize that you are different and it’s a good thing. We deal with so many struggles that male athletes will never understand, and we figure out navigating them on our own. We aren’t educated in school about the differences between males and females in sports.

Find what drives you. It should not be gaining the appreciation of others. Because you won’t get it. I have found that you can’t think about other people’s opinions, you are alone in your success and it’s a beautiful thing. Do not rely completely on anyone in your athletic career. You are in control.

Most importantly, be confident in yourself. Your mental power is something nobody will take from you. The only person who can squash your confidence is yourself.

Always keep learning, reading, and understanding your sport and become the best version of yourself. Never worry about other people who are performing better than you. They don’t matter.

Sincerely,

Lily Bennett, Shelton High School

Plant sale a hit

Thank you to our community for supporting the May 4 Mason County Master Gardener Plant Sale. We had one of the most successful sales in our history. It was our first year not doing an online sale and it was a one-day-only sale. When the doors opened at 9 a.m., 40 or 50 people streamed in, grabbed boxes and started shopping. In fact, by our 4 p.m. close, we were almost sold out.

Our plant sale is the main fundraiser for the Master Gardener Program, allowing us to offer plant clinics, sponsor Through the Garden Gate winter workshops, do community outreach programs, support Catalyst Park Demonstration and Food Bank Garden and much more.

We especially want to thank Lynch Creek Farm and Andy Hunter for allowing us to use their warehouse space for the week again. Their crew helped set up tables and offered any help we needed during the week. We appreciate the partnership and community support.

Mark your calendars for next year’s Master Gardener Plant Sale — May 3, 2025.

Christy Rowe, president Master Gardener Foundation of Mason County

Thank a volunteer

Editor, the Journal,

As a lifelong resident in Mason County, I’ve been very ignorant about who does what when it comes to extra events and activities around town — until recently. Thankfully, many such initiatives have funding, but the same question remains: who’s going to do the work?

In Shelton, it seems that the same familiar faces always show up. As a volunteer with Forest Festival’s Royalty Court, one of the core goals is to introduce the students to groups such as the various Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions clubs throughout the county. Our civic groups are present and do amazing things, yet numbers are dwindling.

It is easy to complain about events, outdated signs, road closures and parking during festivals, etc. I know for me, one negative comment overshadows 10 compliments. Next time, maybe think: “Is there anything I can do?” Is it time, money, a little extra patience, or simply acknowledging the people accomplishing a task?

A lot of the things we see and enjoy around the county are because of volunteers. So next time you see volunteers doing something in town — just give a quick thanks!

Anna Liljas, Grapeview