Dear Editor,
I want to thank Debbie Warren for the opportunity she gave me when I was a little girl with dreams of becoming a college cheerleader. Debbie Warren believed in me and so many other young adults from Barton County area.
Debbie was always working with the youth of the community; they offered camps, visits to local elementary schools, performances at community events and even allowed us to attend open gym nights with her cheerleaders when I was a little girl growing up in Great Bend. I grew up attending games and watching these role models just hoping I might be able to do that myself someday.
I was given the opportunity to participate on the BCCC Cheerleading Team from 95-97.
During my time at Barton County I learned a lot from Debbie and the squads I worked with. I have many life long friends and a husband I met during this time.
When I look back at my time as a cheerleader I realize how it molded the rest of my life. We learned how to work together as a group, how hard work and dedication can really pay off and that life can be just as competitive as sports. We learned how to become leaders and how to give back to our community. 
While writing this letter I cannot help but feel sorry for the next generation of young people from the Barton County area. I am sorry that they will not have the same opportunity as I did.
It seems Barton County College has decided this is just another program they do not need.
They will replace Debbie with someone who has about a fourth of her qualifications and zero ties to the community.
The current squad who had dreams of becoming national champions this year have been crushed and most have already signed with other colleges, in the hope of salvaging their dreams.
I think it was horrible that the board of trustees treated someone with 27 years of service with such disgrace and arrogance.
Again, Debbie thank you for all you have done for me and so many others during you time at Barton County Community College.
You made us legendary!
Malia (Muth) Carlson,
Lawrence