In the fall 2007 Coupeville High School alumni newsletter two young men, Jason Legat and Dan Nieder, wrote, “Giving away our scholarship not only helps a future graduating CHS senior, but it helps keep our roots and ties to the community.”

Alexandra Platt, Class of 2006, now away at college, writes, “I don’t think I ever realized how lucky I was to grow up in a community like Coupeville.”

A story in the local newspapers reported that Paul and Karen Whelan gave a very generous donation to Coupeville toward the purchase of a community gathering space on our waterfront.

These are just a few examples of the people who make Coupeville special and it’s why I love my community and its small town-ness.

The 18 members of my CHS class of 1952 dedicated our high school annual to Paul Whelan’s mother Lucille for work beyond the call of duty. She set an example for her son to follow. This is an example of bringing it forward: people who have succeeded in their lives improving our town by giving of themselves and their good fortune.

Change happens, often for the good. But many precious things are gone forever, and we may lose more in the future. Saving a wonderful space on the waterfront for this community now and in the future is worth your effort. Your donation to the town for the coming together on the waterfront will keep one of the treasures we all enjoy, while change and growth happen all around us.

Lyla Snover

Coupeville