NOTE: Mark Rhyan, president of the Plymouth School District Board of Education, penned the following letter to the editor after Plymouth High School students reached out to the Campbellsport community in the wake of the tragedy that claimed the lives of three students and injured six more. PHS students asked Panther fans to wear yellow and blue – Campbellsport’s colors – to the game with the Eastern Wisconsin Conference rivals Tuesday. Plymouth also presented a giant sympathy card and 200 flowers to Campbellsport students at the game. Click here for a gallery of photos from the game.

To the Students and Staff of Plymouth Schools:

Over the past twenty years I have been afforded the opportunity to witness Plymouth students in some of their finest moments. Witnessing first hand years of outstanding student achievement in the classroom, presentations of countless awards, stellar athletic and fine arts performances, public speaking prowess in front of full assemblies, and the like, have frequently moved me and many others in our community to tears of pride. But none so like the actions of our youth this week in the wake of the terrible tragedy in Campbellsport; a tragedy that despite the continual efforts of caring and engaged parents could easily have happened to anyone of us. As parents there is nothing we fear more than that late night phone call.

To our students … your extraordinary display of compassion and empathy for the families and peers of the Campbellsport teens who were injured or died is one I will never forget. The sea of blue and gold put forth by our students, faculty, and community and the welcoming of those who traveled from Campbellsport in search of some sense of normalcy were beyond belief. In these days where criticism and denouncement of today’s youth is all too common, I am extraordinarily proud of each and every one of you. You have set an example for all to follow, students and adults alike. Never before have I been as proud to be a part of this school district as I am today.

Many have used this opportunity to hug their kids this week, to cry with them, and to try our best to steer them out of harm’s way. Your display will rest in the hearts of all who watched you for years to come. 

Mark Rhyan
President, Plymouth School Board