Students in the ACCORD after school program and TAB (Teen Advisory Board) were furious and disappointed to that ACCORD was not granted another five year grant for its 21st Century afterschool programs this past week. It means that after June 30th, there will be no more youth summit, lock-ins, flag football, or Strum ACCORD. Former TAB member and Canaseraga grad Chelsea Broughton had this to say:  “Being a part of ACCORD and TAB has helped me grow as a person and allowed me to better my teamwork and leadership skills. It also gave me the opportunity to meet other people and form friendships that I never thought possible. These friendships will last forever. These after school programs make learning fun and diverse. It also allowed me to be more active and involved in the community. ACCORD/TAB was my support system that always went the extra mile. I got over some fears like public speaking and gained valuable knowledge and skills.”

Belfast 2016 grad and current JCC student Brandon Durrigan said:  “Even though I wasn’t on TAB, I remember being a part of  so many ACCORD programs such as the after school clubs and flag football a few years ago. It was really fun. I met new friends, I started feeling better about myself, and it was just one of the few things I enjoyed doing after school.”

 TAB member and Belfast senior Eryn Broshar said that she was also very disappointed to learn of the loss of this grant. However, most schools aren’t letting this cut go down without a fight. Whitesville middle and high school students are currently writing letters and are in the process of creating a petition. Other schools should do the same.     

The cut means twenty-five people would lose their jobs, including ACCORD leaders Derek Kenyon, Tracy Broshar, and Brandon Carter. This is a heartbreak to not only those who attended the programs but those who supported ACCORD. One parent commented on the ACCORD Tab facebook page that ACCORD should be “Expanded, not cancelled.” I honestly agree with this. The after school clubs and STRUM gives students something to do, something new to try. There will be a lot of disappointed student bands this summer if this ends up being the final STRUM ACCORD event. I feel that other schools, including Belfast,should do what Whitesville is doing. Letters need to be written, petitions need to be made, the public’s opinion is important. Being in the after school clubs changed me into the person I am today.  ACCORD has supported schools through the toughest times, now it’s time for schools to do the same.