Opinion

Wilk is teacher turned mentor, says former student

Letter to the editor

When deciding who would best represent our community and support the families that it consists of, the answer is as clear as a summer sky.  Justin Wilk is an honest, devoted leader who has dedicated immense amounts of efforts to have the opportunity to bring the positive change that this county so greatly longs for.

As a former educator in Prince William County, he has witnessed the issues first hand. He has stood in front of a classroom, one that is overpopulated compared to our competing districts, and struggled to develop teaching methods that accommodate every one of his students.

Despite this hardship, Justin has always found a way to reach out to each and every one of his students and ensure they are receiving a top-notch education. As a past student, I have participated in his classroom culture, and since then haven’t met a teacher that reached me quite like he was able to.

Following the school year, Justin went from being my teacher to a mentor. Even after the classroom door shut, Justin was always right by my side, offering nothing but support and encouragement. This type of individual is who we need to represent on the school board.

Following his teaching career, Justin pursued a job in the private sector, focusing on what he strives for most, education. Currently, he helps collaborate with school leaders to build stronger relationships with the students, parents, and staff. Spending the last 10+ years of his life working in fields revolving around educational prosperity, Justin has become a credible candidate to lead this county in the right direction.

From overpopulated class sizes and elected official transparency, to reaching out to every single student that comes through our county, he has broken down his fundamental issues, and has developed a plan on how he is going to solve them.

The Potomac [District] of Prince William County has had the same representation for many years, it is time for a new voice. There is one person who will use this voice to stand up to whoever needed, and bring the change that the students and their families rightfully deserve.

There is one person who will bring back the truth behind the phrase “world-class” education, and that is Justin Wilk.

Brandon Mills lives in Woodbridge.