First of all, I can’t write about anything else without first thanking each and every one of you for your participation at Country Fair. It takes all of us to put on an event of this nature, so, it goes without saying that YOU (every single parent at this Academy) have my deep and abiding gratitude.
Truly, it was a GLORIOUS weekend – from the mass on Saturday, through the Chili Cook-off on Saturday night (with the great atmosphere hanging out with the young alum bands) to the Sunday morning 5K and Fun Run, to the beautiful day on Sunday, up to the last drawing of the last raffle at 5:00 on Sunday afternoon! Thank you for donating items, thank you for helping with set-up, thank you for signing-up to ‘man’ a booth, thank you for bringing your extended family and friends to enjoy the festivities, and thank you for helping support this education with your financial support, your sponsorships, your participation and your presence.
A special and HUGE thank you goes to event chairs, Jodie and Gregg Schneider. I could not be more grateful for their thoughtful, strategic input, not to mention their generous gift of time and attention to so many details. The Schneiders were graciously assisted by co-chairs, Terri and Larry McClain for whom I am also deeply grateful.
My hat also goes off to each of the committee chairs. This amazing group of parents and alums took on the responsibility of being point-persons for various portions of what needed to be accomplished. I am so thankful that some are able to take on such leadership roles. Your generous ‘yes’ is noticed, noted and truly appreciated beyond my capacity to even articulate.
Behind the scenes at our big events is the Advancement Office. Our new events coordinator, Silvia Dadian-Smith, survived with grace! It is clear she has the organizational ability, the energy, the graciousness and magnanimity to not only survive, but to help us move forward in our event planning and execution. Kudos, Silvia!
Finally, and most importantly, I thank God for the grace of such splendid weather! The day could not have been more perfect. I credit two new citizens of heaven for their powerful prayers of intercession – Sr. Anna Mae Marheineke (an alum and long-time faculty member at the Academy) and Sr. Pat Steppe (the Headmistress of the School for 12 years, from 1972 – 1984). Thank you Sr. Marheineke, thank you Sr. Steppe and, THANK YOU GOD!
With a heart overflowing with nothing but gratitude,
