The Lakeland School District 272 Levy has failed and is being run once more for a lower amount.
The Levy funds several programs for the school district, including The Lakeland Hawkeye.
The Hawkeye gives Lakeland students a voice in their school. It keeps the community updated and gives the students a sense of belonging. The stories range from sports, news, opinion, and so much more.
It is a class run by students built up by Michael Dunn, who has been the advisor for five years.
The Hawkeye has brought many students into journalism and given us an opportunity to share our ideas and opinions. This also gives a chance to find out if a journalism career is for us.
Along with the writers, the photographers have been given the opportunity to pursue a photography career and have been able to document many moments at the school, like assemblies, sports and other memorable events.
The opportunities that journalism and other clubs and sports that Lakeland offers the students are needed.
The Hawkeye is more than just a class for the students, it is a community. The friendships we have made would not have been possible without this class.
The combination of different students bonding over their love for writing and photography is one of the best friendships ever made.
The class truly can bond people, pushing students who would normally never get along to be friends with one another and make memories they will always cherish.
One of the opportunities that we had was going to the JEA convention in the last two years, paid for by student fundraising. The JEA convention is an educational convention.
The trip to Seattle truly highlighted it with all the laughter that was had.
Not only with the students but also with the teacher. Dunn has committed to helping the students like no other. He donated all of the funds he made back to his students so that they could go to Seattle. He is a teacher, advisor, and coach who leaves a lasting impact on all his students.
Losing The Hawkeye would be heartbreaking.
Without the Levy passing, Journalism would likely not be here. It is necessary for the students to have these opportunities not only for Lakeland but Timberlake High School, Timberlake Middle School, Garwood Elementary, Spirit Lake Elementary, John Brown Elementary, Betty Keifer Elementary, and Athol Elementary.
The Lakeland Hawkeye is relying on the votes of the public. We are hopeful that the community can decide to come together and vote “yes” for the levy to provide upcoming students with quality educational opportunities.