State Reps. Urge Support for MISA Project

This letter to the editor was posted by Barbara Heins. It was written by Hon. Lile R. Gibbons and Hon. Livvy R. Floren/Campaign for MISA honorary co-chairs.

Letter to the Editor:

In 2002, Greenwich High School celebrated a “Big Red” letter day. After 10 years of hard work, a renovated physical plant included a new science wing, media center and Cantor House. There were not sufficient funds, however, to upgrade the auditorium.

Today, with 33% of the 2,700 students engaged in theater, chorus, orchestra, band and electronic music, the existing facility does not come close to meeting the educational requirements for performance, practice and classroom instructional space. The facility was not adequate when opened in 1970 and still isn’t. The bricks and mortar have never stretched far enough.

Greenwich High School has outstanding academic and athletic programs — we need the same for the arts. All segments of our student population — those bound for college, the workforce and military service — benefit from an arts program. The arts are not ancillary to an excellent education, they are integral.

Greenwich High School touches the lives of every member of this community and sets a high standard for educational quality. Greenwich High School is Greenwich. Please urge our elected officials to support the timely completion of the GHS Music Instructional Space and Auditorium (MISA) project. You will be polishing the “jewel in the crown” to high luster.