One of my favorite English assignments was to have my students write a letter to the editor of the Channel Town Press or the Skagit Valley Herald. We would brainstorm the issues and make a list, we would read the newspapers and discuss the things important to the people of Skagit Valley. Once researched, the students would begin the writing process.
• Write an outline
• Use the outline to write a rough draft
• Edit the letter
• Write the final draft
• Submit for publication
Breanna Bill is a practical person, while most of the kids were thinking about things plastered all over the newspapers, Breanna chose something different. At that time, SKAT buses were new to Skagit County, and they were not coming to LaConner! Breanna’s letter to the editor was one of the first requesting SKAT bus services for LaConner.
Her letter was like the snowball that started an avalanche. Soon, many people were asking for bus service in both LaConner and Anacortes. Within the year, Breanna’s letter had started a landslide movement that brought the SKAT buses to LaConner.
This success story has always been near and dear to my heart as it clearly demonstrates the power of writing. We may only have one voice and one vote, but through writing we can have the voice of all our people and the power of all their votes. For this I am thankful of Breanna Bill and her letter to the editor so many years ago.
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