Letter: ‘Support Our Future – Vote YES for the Battle Ground levy’

Prairie High School graduate Jaden Upton offers his support for Battle Ground levy

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com

My name is Jaden Upton, a proud 2021 graduate of Prairie High School. I am currently in my final year at Oregon State University, completing my student teaching experience and preparing to enter the classroom as a future educator. As someone who benefited from the strong educational foundation provided by the Battle Ground School District, I am writing to urge our community to vote YES on the upcoming Replacement Levy.

The programs and opportunities I had access to during my time in school were made possible because of community support through local levies. I was actively involved in band, choir, drama, and athletics — all of which played a critical role in keeping me engaged and helping me grow as a student and person. These programs are not extra; they are essential. Without the passage of this levy, they are at risk of being cut.

Beyond extracurriculars, I was fortunate to have counselors and teachers who believed in me, supported me through challenges, and guided me toward college and a career in education. These positions — the very people who change lives — are also threatened if the levy does not pass.

I come from a family of educators and have seen firsthand how vital community funding is to the strength of our schools. When levies fail, the impact is real — for students, teachers, and the broader community. As a current voter and future teacher, I feel a deep responsibility to pay forward the support I received. I hope you’ll join me.

Please vote YES for the Battle Ground Replacement Levy — for our students, our educators, and the future of our community.

Jaden Upton
Prairie High School Class of 2021