Voices for Education: Holly Droegmiller

I grew up in Grangeville and graduated from Grangeville High School in 1994. I was not a fan of school, except for two things, music and the library. I was extremely shy and quiet. I really didn’t have any friends. Music and the library were my safe spots in school. I was in a concert band, jazz band, and choir. I loved music and thrived in those classes. At lunchtime, because I really had no friends, I would quickly eat my sandwich and head to the library. I would hang out there and read until the bell rang to take me back to class. Sometimes the only person I would talk to during the school day was the librarian. If it were not for music classes and a library full of books, I don’t know what I would have done.

You see, only academic classes don’t always give students what they need. I did okay in my academic classes, but couldn’t wait to head to my next music class or get another book from the library. They are what kept me functioning in a world where I really didn’t fit in. The only social school thing I did outside of class was attend sporting events because I was in the pep band. Otherwise, I would have never seen other students outside of the classroom.

You see, only academic classes don’t always give students what they need. I did okay in my academic classes, but couldn’t wait to head to my next music class or get another book from the library. They are what kept me functioning in a world where I really didn’t fit in.

Everyone is different and needs different outlets in order to thrive. I understand the strain that a levy can put on a person, but until it changes, this is the only way to keep school doors open and extracurricular activities going. My dad was a farmer, and finances were tight, he always voted no on the levy. I used to be so worried that because of his no, I might not have music class to attend. Thankfully, while I was in school, those things never went away. Please don’t take away the one thing, whether it be music, library, drama, sports, ag class, etc., that may keep those students who don’t know what else to do thriving. You have no idea how valuable those “extra” things can be for someone.

Ironically, I am now a school librarian, and I get to share my love of reading and books with students. I don’t live in Grangeville, but my own children, now all grown, thrived in the school where we live because of Ag classes, computer classes, band, sports, and a library full of books. Don’t take the “extras” away, for some kids, that is the only joy they have.

If you would like to share your story as part of our Voices for Education series, reach out to team@244supporters.org