“Swimming is a cure for everything. Michelle Foster, Class of 1985 “The smell of chlorine inspires me to be a better person.” Brian Galvin, Class of 1996 “He treated each of us like his own” Katie (Vesnaugh) Schulz, Class of 1989 Dear Swimming Families: If you are receiving this letter, you have been identified as one of Chuck’s: one of his thousands who started as a swimmer, only to end up as part of his family. In our community, Chuck Olson is synonymous with swimming. Those of us who were privileged enough to be one of “his kids” agree with so many who said, “He is one of those people that you can’t forget.” His impact on the lives of thousands designates him as an institution, for he built champions. In the fashion of a true coach, mentor, fatherfigure and teacher, Chuck didn’t define “champion” by the number of medals. Rather, he demanded grit, commitment, dedication, hard work, and sacrifice. The result for so many: lifelong confidence, perseverance, and the ability to overcome adversity. For Chuck, swimming was life as its lessons bled beyond the water. After fortysix years of service to our kids and community, Chuck’s retirement allows the PlymouthCanton Community School to announce the naming of the Salem High School Pool in his honor: the “Charles E. Olson Natatorium.” This alumniinitiated honor reflects the words of Michelle Foster (SHS ‘85), “Everyone who swims there and enters the locker room will always hear his voice, his messages, his lessons echoing through the walls and the water with each stroke.” Said Brian Galvin (SHS ‘96), “Chuck Olson IS the Salem High School Pool.” Parallel to this honor, the PlymouthCanton Alumni Association is engaging Chuck’s kids to help impact the next generation through a fundraising effort to further PCCS aquatics by creating a fund to complete a pool makeover, complete with paint/wall graphics, a donor wall, and a scoreboard. Starting on April 6, 2016 and ending on May 24, 2016, there will be a 46 day fundraising campaign representing his outstanding career at Salem High School, as everyday symbolized one year. If you are interested in a taxfree donation, please click here or mail a check (with PCCS Aquatics in the memo) to Educational Excellence Foundation, 454 Harvey, Plymouth, MI 48170. Contributors will be recognized in the following manner:
Contributor Program recognition $25$199
Bronze Program and donor wall recognition $200$499
Silver Program and donor wall recognition $500$2499
Gold Program and donor wall recognition $2500$9999
Olympic Program and donor wall recognition $10,000+
Regardless of your ability to contribute, please join us at the naming ceremony at 2:00 p.m. on June 18, 2016 at the SHS Pool as we will unveil the Charles E. Olson Natatorium. A reception will follow the ceremony. It will be a celebration to remember. Also share your stories about Coach Olson by filling out a Google Form click here . If you have any further question please contact us at
[email protected] , and please consider staying connected to your fellow swimmers by joining the FREE PCCS Alumni Association by clicking here . Cordially, Beth Savalox Director of Development, PlymouthCanton Community Schools
[email protected] Tens of Championships. Hundreds of Champions. Thousands of Donors. DONATE NOW.