To whom it may concern,

This is a statement on behalf of the students at Rufus King High School in advocacy of the importance of Mr. Benjamin Zabor to our education and community. Mr. Zabor has been an instrumental part, not only of our music education, but of our education as a whole. He is a guide and mentor to many, and acts as a safe space for students, regardless of the issue. 

Furthermore, his impact on our school and district cannot be understated. His dedication to doing the right thing in the face of adversity has been an aid and inspiration to students. For several years, district events such as the Battle of the Drumlines, and our district WSMA solo and ensemble festival have been held at Rufus King High School, and would have been impossible without the hard work and dedication of Mr. Zabor. Mr. Zabor has positively impacted decisions at the district level, and even written administrative policy.

 Mr. Zabor is a man who has given unsparingly of his time and personal resources for the benefit of our quality of education. He has commonly spent his own money to buy music for those who cannot afford it, and to fix instruments and keep our school standards raised.  This is a man who has gone above and beyond his duty for his students. A man who commonly worked more than what he was obliged to ensure the quality of our music program. It was under and due to his leadership that the Rufus King music program was able to undertake such prestigious opportunities as playing yearly for the governor, and at a campaign rally in the 2024 presidential election. The purpose of this petition is not to excuse any negative action taken, but to show that the importance of Mr. Zabor’s positive impact on our community is more important than any form of punishment. This should be viewed not as an opportunity to exact punishment, but as a time of reflection as a community, on the actions, resources, and support necessary so that such an incident may be avoided in the future.

The student body at Rufus King loves and appreciates Mr. Zabor. We are already beginning to see the adverse effects of his absence, and believe it to be in the best interest of our school and district to return him to his post at Rufus King High School.
 

**Those signing below share the aforementioned sentiments, and may, if they elect to do so, submit statements of Mr. Zabor’s impact on their education and experience by emailing manuelishag@gmail.com, or leaving a comment on this petition.