Four years ago, my family came from Pagosa Springs and bought a home in Durango, just so I could attend Animas High School. We knew Durango offered educational services Pagosa couldn’t compete with. During my time at AHS, I had the incredible opportunity to work in local politics and with Matt Sheldon.

Mr. Sheldon was an exceptional manager, balancing ideological aspirations with the feasibility of those goals. He inspired me to run for student council in my sophomore year to give back to my school community. Under his tutelage and advice, I was elected three times to my student council, eventually becoming the president my senior year.

His passion for issues and education is inspiring. He helped me attain roles I never thought I would be able to reach. He is one of the few people I have met who cares as passionately for students as my teachers.

As a school board member, I have no doubt he will take this passionate approach to better the education. He will actively engage with the educational community, including the students, to the benefit of our community and especially our young people.

Please join me in voting for Matt Sheldon for school board.

Will Smock-Egan

Durango