To the Esteemed Members of the Silliman Institute Board of Directors,

We, the undersigned students, parents, alumni, and community members of Silliman Institute, respectfully petition the Board of Directors to reinstate Coach Roy Corcoran as the head baseball coach for Silliman Institute at the board meeting on June 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM. His rehiring is critical to advancing the objectives outlined in the Silliman Institute Student Handbook. We also request that the Board articulate its broader vision for the athletic program and explain how not retaining Coach Roy serves the best interests of our school. We need a true reason why the board felt it was the right move to devastate, confuse, and interfere with the future of every child at Silliman Institute. 

Coach Roy, a former Major League Baseball player, former LSU baseball player, former Gulf Coast Community College player, and Silliman alumnus, brings the highest level of expertise, qualification, passion, and a profound connection to our school’s heritage. His professional experience, as well as his unique character, has elevated the baseball team to remarkable success, with a 115-65 record overall, consistent playoff appearances every year, and 7 players playing at the collegiate level just this year. Beyond these achievements, Coach Roy takes the time to mold each child individually, ensuring they grow as athletes and individuals. His coaching instills skill, discipline, and teamwork producing athletes who embody Silliman Institute’s values of excellence and integrity. The impact he makes on our children is elite. Many students attend Silliman just to play for Coach Roy. I know for myself, I have waited many years for my son to be able to play for him. He is an iconic representative of Silliman, and we are proud to call him ours. The future was very bright! Why rip it away?

As an alumnus, Coach Roy inherently understands Silliman Institute’s core values, as reflected in the Student Handbook objectives, and lives them out in his leadership. He directly supports several of these objectives:

Objective 1 (Desire to Learn): He inspires a love for learning through baseball, encouraging students to grow as athletes and individuals.
Objective 4 (Leadership Opportunities): By leading the baseball team to consistent playoffs and mentoring 7 collegiate players, he fosters leadership through team roles and community initiatives.
Objective 5 (Respect for Others and Ethical Values): As a family man, he models respect, integrity, and cooperation, mentoring students to live these values on and off the field.
Objective 7 (Moral Values Based on Christian Principles): His character reflects Christian principles, guiding students in moral development through his actions and mentorship.
Objective 8 (Community Contribution): He attends most school functions—pep rallies, fundraisers, and more—contributing significantly to the Silliman community.
Objective 9 (Self-Reliance and Resourcefulness): His coaching emphasizes discipline and problem-solving, preparing students to handle practical challenges.
Objective 11 (Citizenship Responsibilities): He teaches students the value of teamwork and community involvement, preparing them to be responsible citizens.
Why rip it away?
Coach Roy is more than a coach. Every morning, he stands outside our school, surrounded by at least 20 students from middle to high school, drawn to his leadership. Every morning you see that sight and can’t help but think to yourself that we have something special going on. His universal appeal unites children across all ages, making him a role model for every student (Objective 6: addressing individual differences). This admiration is so profound that he is a favorite for our students on dress day. You will find little mini Roy’s running around the elementary school, celebrating his influence. He invests everything in the baseball program, taking the time to mold each child individually, mentoring players through personal and academic challenges, and organizing community initiatives, leaving a legacy of pride and unity at Silliman Institute. Why rip it away?

We recognize that staffing decisions are complex and tied to broader goals. However, the decision to part ways with Coach Roy has raised significant concerns among our community. His deep-rooted connection as an alumnus, alignment with Silliman’s values, and status as a beloved icon—evidenced by his 115-65 record, consistent playoff appearances, and many collegiate players—make his contributions unparalleled. We believe his departure undermines the strength of our athletic program and school spirit. To address these concerns, we respectfully request that the Board:

Vote to rehire Coach Corcoran as baseball coach at the June 17, 2025, meeting.
Clearly articulate the Board’s broader vision for the athletic program and explain how not retaining Coach Roy aligns with the best interests of Silliman Institute and its students, particularly in light of the school’s stated objectives. We need a true reason why the board felt it was the right move to devastate, confuse, accuse, and interfere with the future of so many lives.
Engage with stakeholders—students, parents, and community members—to discuss the future of the baseball program and Coach Roy’s role.
Provide transparent reasoning behind the initial decision to ensure trust and collaboration.
Provide an apology to Coach Roy and the Silliman family for attempting to remove such an important representative of Silliman. “It’s not about you!”
Reinstating Coach Roy will reinforce Silliman Institute’s commitment to its objectives and values, ensuring continued excellence, community engagement, and student development. Without a clear explanation of the Board’s vision and how this decision benefits our school, the loss of such an impactful alumnus and leader risks eroding trust and morale. We urge supporters to attend the June 17, 2025, 6:00 PM meeting to demonstrate the overwhelming support for Coach Roy. Thank you for considering this petition and for your dedication to Silliman Institute. We look forward to your response and a transparent discussion at the upcoming meeting.

How many more outstanding families do we need to lose before someone realizes there is a problem?

Sincerely,