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As a teacher at Whitefish High School, I had the honor of working with a pilot program called the Writing Coaches of Whitefish during the 2015/2016 school year.

The program was facilitated by Brian Schott, Whitefish Review editor-in-chief, and 14 community members from all walks of life. These writing coaches volunteered their time and energy to partner with sophomore English students to work through first and second drafts. This program was exclusively funded by the Whitefish Education Foundation and is in need of monetary support in order to continue and expand.

Students of all abilities thrived on being heard, valued and critiqued during the writing process with their one-on-one coach. The coaches provided an authentic audience and a sincere connection to the real world. Students willingly hunkered down to revise (which is the most valuable and most challenging step in the writing process) in preparation for their coach’s next visit. Their feedback increased the students’ confidence and provided tools and insights for writing in their future studies and beyond.

The connections students made with these mentors strengthened the belief that their ideas and contributions truly do matter. The voice of a new generation was valued. Watching this program in action was a career highlight for me. Nothing changed my students’ writing — and outlook on the broader community — more this year than this opportunity.

Please consider donating to the Whitefish Education Foundation through the Great Fish Challenge now through Sept. 16. Your donation will allow ALL Whitefish High English classes to participate in the Writing Coaches of Whitefish Program. Contact brian@whitefishreview.org to inquire about being a coach.

Thank you, Whitefish Education Foundation! Writing coaches, thank you for valuing our youth and supporting their growth as thinkers, writers and concerned citizens.

— Nikki Reed, Whitefish