I am writing to you in support of Leslie Kae Hamada, candidate for Kent School Board Position No. 3. I have had the honor of working with Leslie for the past two years through my service with the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Project U(th).

Leslie fights for what she believes in, and she believes in the kids. I am a graduate of Kentwood High School and attended school in the Kent School District for 13 years. In all those years, I never met anyone who could rival Leslie in determination and a love for helping the children of our community.

I have witnessed Leslie fight for the Kent East Hill PAL Boxing Club at Kent City Council meetings. I have participated in the Youth Summit forum that Leslie helped create in order to begin discussions among community members regarding youth programming and opportunities, and I have been on the receiving end of Leslie’s vast knowledge about life. Leslie would often stop by Project U(th) and speak to the teens about everything from graduation plans to giving us tips on which fundraisers are the most successful.

I am now a sophomore at Whitman College, and am still inspired by Leslie every day, even though I am over 200 miles away. Leslie is a remarkable human being and continues to give her whole heart to our community. Through her dedication to the youth of our community and her unending quest to solve the problems in Kent, I know that Leslie Hamada will make a difference in the Kent School District and will fight for what is right for the children. Because of my experience working with Leslie when I was teen and my first-hand account of her efforts in the community, I whole-heartedly support Leslie Kae Hamada for the Kent School Board. She does more than talk, she takes action.

Stefani Paladino

Sophomore, Whitman College

Kent