Hello fellow Warriors, parents of student athletes, and esteemed members of the community. As some may know, the Philomath Girls Varsity Tennis team won the state title this year and have been denied the right of a state banner hanging in the gym, like all of the previous state titles. One argument that Principal Bussard and Athletic Director Matta presented against hanging a banner was because it would diminish the previous state wins. According to them, it wasn't a legitimate state competition. While it might not have been a normal season, neither was this year, and we prevailed at the highest level of competition that was offered to us. While OSAA is normally in charge of giving the banners to the Schools, Philomath has done nothing to fight or even make their own banner to recognize our success. The banners located in the gym do not specifically say "OSAA" and, therefore, the school could replicate them to acknowledge our success as other banners do.

This is also to recognize the disrespect and lack of recognition that is present against girls sports at Philomath. Not once in the numerous conversations that we have had with the Principal and Athletic Director were we given a congratulation or any sort of "high five" for our hard work. 

By signing this petition, you are not only recognizing our win but also supporting us and our battle to secure this banner. Also, if you are a state champion it would be beneficial to note this when you sign.

Our goal in this is to be awarded the state banner,