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Youth, Education, and Empowerment

I am very proud to endorse Mary Ella Luft and Haifa Jalil as they seek seats on the Board of Education (BOE). Mary Ella is already a valued six-year member of the BOE and Haifa is eager to lend her experience to the board as a new member.

Having had a 38-year career as a faculty member in the Westbrook school system, I have seen many fine individuals serve our community schools as dedicated volunteers. The finest have brought their experiences and talents to the table enhancing the quality of education our children receive. Both Mary Ella and Haifa possess résumés that are very focused on youth, education, and empowerment.

Mary Ella Luft is a registered nurse who found time to lead an exceptionally successful Girl Scout troop for many years. She saw the need to provide a vehicle to build confidence, life skills, and citizenship for the young women of Westbrook. The awards amassed by the scouts in the troop are a testament to their community service and the passion Mary Ella brought to their many projects.

Haifa Jalil served our schools for many years as a special education tutor. Her love of teaching led her to seek full certification and advanced degrees in science. She is a highly respected science teacher, today, at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven. Her children, all Westbrook High School graduates, have gone on to distinguish themselves in the medical field. Haifa understands curriculum, social-emotional learning, and commitment to excellence.

I encourage your readers to join me in voting for Mary Ella Luft and Haifa Jalil on Nov. 2.

Jim Crawford

Westbrook