Colin Atkins, an eighth-grader at Saint Joseph School, served as an honorary member of the Berkeley County Commission on March 14. After being sworn in by Commissioner Steve Catlett, the Charles Town, W.Va., resident told the local governing body that he plans to attend Washington High School, where he hopes to be in AP classes. He aspires to attend New York University to major in dramatic arts.
Before the commissioners took a brief recess, Colin told them that he thinks Berkeley County needs more recreation centers where children can learn social skills and work with mentors to prevent them from traveling down a troubling path in life. The 13-year-old said that in addition to the facilities in Martinsburg and Inwood run by Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks & Recreation and the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle, county residents would benefit from another facility with a pool and fitness center that could be used by children and adults. Ideally, it would offer an array of activities, including sports and theater programs, plus camps. Through fundraisers and donations, Colin hoped the recreation center could offer scholarships to keep costs low for those with economic constraints.
Catlett, who led the county parks and recreation department for more than 40 years, said scholarships currently are available through that department. He agreed the northern part of the county could use a venue like Colin suggested and added that building an aquatic center has been a goal for a long time.
Commission Vice President Eddie Gochenour appreciated Colin’s research into what is already offered in the area, plus his ideas for expansion, particularly making programs accessible to those with low incomes.
“I like your thoughts,” Gochenour said.
