An Open Letter to the Orting Community

Dear Orting Community,

As I begin a new chapter in my life called ‘post-college, I wanted to pause for a moment and acknowledge the role many individuals and organizations from this town I am proud to call home, have played in getting me to this point.

First, I would like to say a big thank you to those organizations that provided financial support in the form of scholarships that helped me realize my dream of attending Azusa Pacific University. This past December, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration with an emphasis in Economics.

So a big thanks to: Orting Combined Parent Teacher Association, Orting Chapter of Public School Employees, Orting Chamber of Commerce, Orting Alumni Association, Washington State Elks Association and the Elks National Foundation, for making this journey possible.

Next, I would like to recognize other organizations and their leaders that played a critical part in getting me to this point, a word of appreciation to:

• Orting School Board, for your direction, guidance and overall support of the students of our community
• Orting Safeway, for giving me that first ‘real’ job that taught me how to manage my time and money better
• Lifeway Orting,  for providing spiritual guidance and support in an area that is important to me – my faith
• OHS Basketball, for pushing me to excel and improve in an area of my life that didn’t come naturally for me
• OHS Future Business Leaders of America, for instilling in me a passion for doing business with excellence

Then, while I hesitate to name individuals in fear that I might miss someone, I would also be remiss, if I didn’t say thank you to:

• Mr. John Miller for giving me an opportunity to play basketball for OHS and encouraging my political ambition
• Mr. Steve Tarry for challenging me to write and communicate better
• Mrs. Luann Lee for teaching me about academic excellence in fields outside my area of study
• Mrs. Misty Peterson for instilling in me the ability to problem solve and work hard
• Mrs. Betty Johnson for taking a chance on a freshmen kid who wanted to learn about business
• Mrs. Cheryl Temple for welcoming my family to Orting and fostering great community during my time there
• Mrs. Michelle Curry for guiding Orting Public Schools towards the future

And of course to my parents, Rob and Louise Harrington for all the car rides, all the donations of time and money, all of the respect and love that young people need from their parents.

Lastly, a word to the Orting High School class of 2014 and beyond – Don’t let anyone tell you that living and growing up in Orting limits what you can do and become after high school.  While it may sound like a cliché - There is a world of possibilities out there. Don’t be afraid to take a chance and dream a dream. Use the incredible support system we have been given by being a part of this community we call Orting. Orting is a great community to live in, work in, learn in, and play in. I will never forget the opportunities I was given to do things like speak in front of the school board or speak to the Chamber of Commerce or be the Emcee for the stadium dedication. Not every place would give a ‘kid’ an opportunity like that, but Orting does, because they believe in their youth and support them.

As far as what is next for me; while I am still proud to call Orting ‘home’, I am currently residing in Glendora, CA, working three different, yet complimentary jobs that are meaningful, challenging and fulfilling all at the same time. I am employed by:

• Christian Community Credit Union, www.mycccu.com as a business development representative tasked with educating and promoting the benefits of credit union banking to the Millennial generation.
• Kaleo Apps Inc, www.kaleoapps.com as the social media manager responsible for the online presence of one of the leading phone apps for churches
• Political campaign of Robert Ming for 5th District Orange County Supervisor, www.robertming.com as a campaign aid where I am learning much about the world of politics and what is involved with running a campaign

I also keep busy blogging for both CCCU and Kaleo. You can read the articles I have published on church communication and credit union marketing strategy at: www.cuinsight.com/author/brian-harrington and  www.kaleoapps.com/author/bharrington

In closing, I would finish with letting you know I am available to connect with anyone wanting to hear more about my experiences, or wishing to learn more about the organizations I work for. I am also open to speaking engagements any time I am in town. You can reach me at brian@harringtonfamilyonline.com, or for more of my thoughts - follow @brainharrington on Twitter.

Thank You Orting,

Brian Harrington

OHS 2010 graduate