In a heartfelt appeal during the Lake Washington School District's Board Meeting on March 24, 2025, a 12-year-old middle schooler named Ernest took the floor to advocate for a cause close to his heart: the installation of lights on the tennis courts at Redmond Middle School. With a passion for tennis and a keen sense of community, Ernest highlighted the challenges faced by local players, especially as the sun sets earlier in the evening.

"Currently, these courts are almost unusable after sunset because they don't have lights," he explained, emphasizing the growing difficulty for residents to find places to play tennis. The situation has become even more pressing with the tennis courts at nearby Reservoir Park closed for construction, leaving fewer options for the community.

Ernest pointed out that while other parks, such as Perrigo Park and Grasslawn Park, are equipped with lights, the tennis courts at Redmond Middle School remain in darkness. "It doesn't seem right that the parking lot at the Redmond Middle School has lights on all night, but the tennis courts remain dark," he remarked, underscoring the disparity in access to recreational facilities.

These courts serve not only the students but also the wider Redmond community, having been utilized for city-run summer camps. Ernest's plea was not just for himself but for all families who struggle to find time to play tennis after school or work. "Adding lights would make a big difference for kids like me," he stated, advocating for equal access to recreational facilities.

His message resonated with the board members, as he expressed hope that the school district and the city of Redmond could collaborate to find a solution. "It would show our city values equal access to recreational facilities for everyone," he concluded, leaving the room with a sense of urgency and possibility for change.

As the meeting continued, Ernest's passionate request served as a reminder of the importance of community voices in shaping local policies and ensuring that recreational opportunities are accessible to all. The board's response to his appeal remains to be seen, but the conversation around enhancing community facilities is now firmly on the table.