Credit Barcus for raising concern

We could all learn something from Abby Barcus.
It’s supposed to be the other way around. Eighteen-year-old high school students are supposed to learn life lessons from teachers, coaches and other adults.
But Abby turned the tables Monday night.
When Jay School Board reached its designated time for public comment during its meeting, Abby stood up. She walked to the microphone and, speaking for all female athletes at Jay County High School, the senior volleyball player requested that something be done to improve the girls lockerroom facilities. She made her request politely and directly, asking for the opportunity to meet with interim superintendent Brad DeRome to talk about the issue.
The school board listened, and DeRome agreed that he’d be more than willing to talk.
Whether anything will come of her request, we don’t know, although clearly the girls facilities at JCHS are due for an upgrade. The boys lockerrooms on the opposite side of the gym were upgraded as part of a project that included major renovations to the pool about a decade ago. The girls lockerooms have not received the same kind of attention.
It’s not the results of her comments at the meeting that are impressive, but rather the fact that she was willing to stand up, publicly, and make them at all.
Students, parents and fans complain about issues in the lockerroms, at home or on social media all the time. That’s easy.
But those venues don’t effect change.
Actual progress only happens when someone is willing to take her concerns to those who can actually help solve the problem. Doing so is often difficult, especially given the fear many have of public speaking.
Abby deserves credit for standing in front of the school board, though she was clearly fighting some nerves, and making her request. And she deserves even more because, if the girls locker rooms are improved, she won’t be around to reap the benefits. By this time next year, she’ll be in Dayton playing volleyball for Wright State University.
But, if any changes come to fruition, they will benefit hundreds of female athletes who follow in her footsteps at JCHS.
Let her actions be a lesson to all of us. In order to make a difference, you have to be willing to stand up for what you believe in, not anonymously, not sitting on the couch, not on social media, but when and where it matters.
That’s the only way to make a positive change — R.C.