Dear Editor,
I am a graduate of Barton County Community College.
I attended BCCC from August 2005 until May 2007. In my two years at Barton, I was on scholarship for cheerleading.
During this time, I became close to my coach, Debbie Warren, and have remained in contact every since. I’m sure I do not have to tell any of you what an important role Debbie plays at the college and in the community.
Debbie is not only a coach to her athletes, but also a mentor and a friend.
She is always there whenever someone needs support and is constantly putting the needs of the college and her program above her own.
For example, in March of 2006 Debbie’s house caught fire and she barely made it out unharmed.
In fact, Debbie had to climb out of a window to get to safety.
Although Debbie was homeless and had lost everything, she was more worried about the cheer and dance squads getting ready for nationals. She came into practice and coached like nothing had ever happened!
Debbie also makes the members of her squad take part in the community. We performed at the Special Olympics opening ceremonies every year.
Any time a community event was going on, Debbie scheduled us to perform.
While on the squad, I remember going to the elementary schools and doing state assessment pep-rallies to encourage the children to take them seriously and try their hardest. Also, we took pictures with little girls (or boys) during half times and between basketball games.
Debbie constantly reminded us that we are role models for kids everywhere and our actions in and out of uniform should reflect that.
Debbie has coached almost 2,500 athletes.
The only other coach who comes close to that number is her husband Mike Warren. 
That means the Warrens have brought close to 5,000 people to Barton County Community College to participate in baseball, cheer and dance. That’s 5,000 people who have spent money at Great Bend businesses.
That number gets even bigger if you factor in the number of families who have came and visited their children while attending Barton.
There are members of the college administration who are tired of reading our letters and say the community is sick of them also. But until the wrongful termination of Debbie Warren is corrected, we will not back down.
They are dealing with 2,500 athletes who are loud and do not like to lose.
Debbie never gave up on us, so we will not give up on her and I hope the community won’t either. 
Thank you Mike and Debbie for everything! 
Rachel DeWild,
McPherson