In a heartfelt plea to the Camas School District Board, seventh grader Cal Jires stood before the assembly, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. "I wanted to speak today to help you understand what you are taking away from us," he said, referring to the recent decision to cut the boys' cross country program. Cal, a talented runner who had set multiple records and ranked among the top in the state, expressed his deep disappointment and concern for his future in the sport. He emphasized how cross country not only fostered competition but also built community among students of different grades, providing a supportive environment for all, including those like his friend Calvin, who overcame personal challenges to excel.

Cal's testimony was part of a broader discussion at the school board meeting on June 23, 2025, where budget cuts loomed large over various programs. Music teacher Fauna Wolf also voiced her concerns, highlighting the detrimental impact of losing the choir program at Liberty Middle School. She described the importance of nurturing young voices and the long-term effects of losing experienced instructors on students' confidence and musical growth. "It takes time to build a music program," she noted, stressing the need for administrative support to ensure the arts thrive despite financial constraints.

Eighth grader Caitlin Tang echoed these sentiments, sharing insights from her survey of students regarding the potential cuts to jazz programs. She revealed that many students found a sense of belonging and community through music, with some even crediting these programs with helping them navigate personal struggles. Caitlin passionately argued that the loss of such programs would leave a significant void in the school community, urging the board to explore alternative budget solutions rather than sacrificing these vital artistic outlets.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the decisions made by the board would have lasting implications for students' extracurricular experiences. The emotional testimonies from Cal, Fauna, and Caitlin painted a vivid picture of the interconnectedness of sports and arts in fostering student growth, resilience, and community spirit. The board's challenge now lies in balancing budgetary constraints with the needs and aspirations of its students, ensuring that programs that enrich their lives are not lost in the process.