By LESLIE KELLY

Every Friday night during football season, there’s some great entertainment as close by as the nearest high school stadium.

Area high school student athletes put to use what they’ve practiced all week long and go head-to-head with each other in league play that pits their skills against those of the opposing school.

And, as part of the pomp and circumstance, high school bands play the songs they’ve been practicing. The cheerleaders cheer and the drill team dances. It’s what high school memories are made of. It’s high school football.

While you may not be a sports fan, or have children in school, taking in a high school football game is something that you should do, just to show support for these young kids.

These student athletes put their heart and soul into what they do, as do their counterparts in the band, the drill team, the pep squad and the cheerleaders as well.

Their hard work should be rewarded with a full stadium of on-lookers cheering every pass, every tackle, and every touchdown.

If football’s not your thing, there’s always a volleyball game, or a swim meet or a soccer game to see.

Athletics is an important part of building character in young people. So are other scholastic activities such as debate, music, theater and knowledge bowls.

When students see adults from their communities taking part in their pursuits and caring about their activities, it let’s them know that what they do matters.

They’re happy that their parents and teachers are there cheering them on. But they’ll really take notice if their minister, their barber or their next-door-neighbors are in the audience. That kind of support can make a difference. Take part in their lives.

And while you’re there, take time to thank a coach, a school employee, or the booster club parent who sells you that hot dog at the game.

Leslie Kelly is the editor of the Central Kitsap Reporter and Bremerton Patriot.