A Thank You From The Crossroads

To the Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Newtown community for all their help and support over the ten years that I ran the Career Center at Newtown High School. Because of the students and the kind of community that we are so fortunate to live in, it was the most incredibly gratifying and rewarding job for me. I loved my work at the high school. That was why choosing to resign from my position there, in the beginning of August, was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. But, as I would tell students when we talked about the benefits of a broad education, you never know when it will be to your advantage to be able to switch gears and try something new. This summer, working with my husband and his partner in a new business we started at The Mill in Sandy Hook, it became apparent that I was at that crossroads.

The reason for my letter is twofold. This past year was our (Peg Ragaini and myself) busiest yet in the Career Center and we had not been able to write a personal thank you letter to all of our Career Shadowing volunteers as we have always done in the past. (We called on the phone to thank them but often got voice mail.) These are the people who so generously give of their time to host a student at their place of business for a day. They go out of their way to give the students a great deal of attention and make them feel special. Since the program began in 1993, we have sent over 800 students into the community. We have seen this program make a difference and change lives time and time again. Therefore, to all our wonderful Career Shadowing volunteers, a huge and heartfelt thank you for everything you have done for the students of Newtown High School and for me personally. You are all terrific (many of you volunteering year after year) and we are greatly indebted to you for making this program so worthwhile and meaningful.

Secondly, I would like to once again thank all my career volunteers –– whether it was for mentorship, career speakers, career tours, or in whatever capacity. You have provided an invaluable service and contributed greatly to our students’ education. I feel very privileged to have worked with you. To my loyal Career Center volunteers over the years –– Donna Narcum, Carol Garbarino, Carol Foss, Kitty Latowicki, Chris Badillo, Shahnaz Syed, Cyndi DeMarco –– we could never have provided all the programs we did without you and I can’t thank you enough. Special thanks also to my colleagues in the Career Center/guidance department for their inspiration and dedication as well as for their valuable friendship and support. I was very proud to be a part of such a dedicated, caring and talented group of people. In addition, I feel very fortunate to have worked with all the wonderful faculty and staff at Newtown High. We are so lucky to have them working with our children! Finally, to the students, you are always in my heart and thoughts. My thanks to you, and to your parents, for all the joy you brought to my life. I never had a day when you didn’t make me laugh or smile. All my best wishes for much happiness as you continue through the high school and beyond.

Thank you all, again, and I hope to see you around town!

Sincerely,

Jane McEvoy

51 Taunton Lake Road, Newtown                            October 20, 2003