An open letter to Dr. Kevin Hamlin, Principal, Southern High School
Dear Dr. Hamlin,
When you go to the Home page of the Southern High School website, the first thing you see in bold italicized letters is “Southern Bulldogs…pride unleashed!” Unfortunately, the actions that you have taken relating to former Girls Head Basketball Coach Linda Kilpatrick are nothing to be proud of (as the Principal, I hold you accountable). At Team13System, we systematically develop Champions in Business and in Life – and that’s with actions, not words. When I was a young student who didn’t know anything, I was blessed to have had a role model like Coach Linda Kilpatrick (“Coach Kil” to all those who know her). Coach Kil taught Physical Education during my time at Southern High School. This is a class where you learn to play games – and she was able to teach all of us about the most important one – the Game of Life. Coach Kil made a difference in my life and, along with others at Southern High School, helped mold what was to later become Team13System. Throughout her storied career, Coach Kil has demonstrated what it takes to be a Champion in Life.
Embracing the attitude of a Champion; always giving maximum Effort; All Heart all the time; Mental toughness; Teamwork; Hard Work; Integrity; Refuse to Lose attitude; the importance of Family; Education; Energy; and always look to Maximize “value.” These are the core beliefs that we have developed at Team13System – and these are all things embodied and taught by Coach Kil (thank you from the bottom of my heart, Coach Kil!).
For me to have to read about Southern Girls Basketball going “in a new direction” on Facebook is an absolute embarrassment to Southern High School. It is a complete failure to treat someone who has had such a profound impact on so many individuals in this manner. I am sad for Coach Kil. I am sad for all of Coach Kil’s former (and current) students and players. I am sad for those throughout Anne Arundel County and the State of Maryland who will not be able to say goodbye to Coach Kil on the court. I am embarrassed for all the hard-working teachers at Southern High School who now become associated with these actions. I personally am embarrassed for myself to be a BullDawg today.
The Best Organizations and Leaders know how to treat their people. The Best Organizations and Leaders know not just how to do the right things – but how to do things right. The Best Organizations and Leaders would never let something like this unfold under their watch. The way that Coach Kil is being treated is definitely NOT in line with the values that I was taught growing up in Southern Maryland as a young student at Southern High School!
I hope you understand the deep level of disappointment and frustration that is felt throughout the Southern High School community right now. To think about Southern High School and Coach Kil, and what they mean to me (and so many others), and to see this sort of activity take place – something is being unleashed, but it is not Pride (note: please change the Home page). Fortunately, Coach Kil knows how much she is loved – but boy does she deserve better than this! Shame on you.
Sincerely,
Edward C. Harding III
Southern High School, Class of 1988
Managing Director, Team13System