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Happy retirement! I feel so lucky that I was able to have you as my building principal (even if it was just for a short while). It's so great having someone who is so supportive of their staff! We will all miss you greatly next year!

April Haladyna

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Thank you for taking me in for only one year!  Still remember you asking me if I was going to go by Frei...you already had a great Frey! Szabo will do!
Wishing you a Very Happy Retirement! It will continue to be another Amazing Chapter in your life!
Judy Szabo

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I just want to thank you for giving me the opportunity and welcoming me to the Orchard family. Thank you for your encouragement through my first year as an educator, your guidance, understanding, and advice. I am so sad we only got one year of working together, but I am so happy that I had the chance to! Thank you for all that you have done over the last year. Enjoy retirement; you deserve it!
Leeann Businger

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Congratulations Karen on your retirement! The dedication that you have shown at Orchard Hollow all of these years are beyond words! I had the honor of meeting you years ago when I worked with the We Care program. Who ever thought then, that I would return to Orchard one day and be a part of your team. You welcomed all of us with open arms to your "Orchard Family" and helped make the transition for us and the students a little less scary. Your leadership, guidance and understanding the past two years are truly appreciated.  On a personal level, you have taken the time to listen and give words of encouragement to help me and others through difficult times outside of the work place. This only verifies that you have a big heart for your staff, students and friends. I wish you all the best on this new journey you are starting. God bless and I will miss you!
Angel Yanni

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Karen, it has been a pleasure to work under your leadership at Orchard. You have shown knowledge, skill, focus, tenacity, finesse, and compassion which you have displayed to the students, parents, and staff within our building. We were willing to step forward and take risks because you were right beside us! It was a pleasure to have you as an integral part of our Kindergarten performance and then to have you join our band! I can't emphasize enough the respect I have for you for joining our fifth graders for the first time in such a challenging adventure! I wish you the best as you be your Orchard Hollow BEST in the next chapter of your life!
~Chris Blue

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I want to wish you so much happiness and fun in your retirement.  I remember my first day at Orchard Hollow and it was indoor recess because of the rain.  You ran around with me doing the recess along with me.  I had a map and schedule but had never been in the building before.  It is a good memory.  You were always support of me on the playground and I thank you much for that. God bless you!
Alice Roth

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Karen,
I want to start by saying thank you for believing in me and giving me so many opportunities to be apart of the Orchard Hollow family! You are such a big reason why this school is so welcoming and caring! Your passion and love for the students and staff is inspiring. I wish you the best of luck in your new chapter of life! I will miss you!
Rosie Ziamba

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Thank you so much for all of your help, support, guidance, and direction over the years.  It was much appreciated.  I especially enjoyed your cheerleading moments when it was needed the most!
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunities to move up the "ranks" to a higher grade level.  It has been the place I've enjoyed the most.  One thing that continues to be enigmatic for me is your quiet appearances among my students, whether sitting at a desk or standing in line with them.  It seemed to give me a fright to turn around and discover I  had a new student in my class I never knew I had.  Maybe one day you'll let me know the reason???
Anyway, I wish you much luck and continued happiness in your new adventures.  Maybe you'll find time to wade in water and relax, especially now that you are so close to Lake Erie!
Take care, Kelley
PS:  Perhaps you could try out teaching math at the high school?!!!

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Karen,
I don't even know how to begin to thank you.  You are the one that hired me (we won't talk about how many years ago) and I could not be more grateful that I ended up at Orchard full time.  Thank you for always listening, encouraging, and allowing me to try out every crazy new idea I came up with.  Thank you for pushing me, cheering for me, and helping to make me into the teacher I am today.  I am going to miss you! Enjoy your retirement, you so deserve it!

Jessica Solon

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Remember that time you dressed up as a cow?

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Remember that time you dressed up as a cow?

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You never know what the 1st grade team will get you involved in!

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You never know what the 1st grade team will get you involved in!

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I’m sure the 35 years have gone by in a blink of an eye. From the gifted teacher that I first got to know working at Orchard Hollow to the principal guiding us through the ever changing educational journey. You were indeed dedicated to the staff, the students and the Orchard Hollow community. Thank you for your leadership, support and kindness throughout the years. You were not only my principal but I also considered you a friend. Best of luck in your next adventure and God Bless.
Deb Vrcan

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Karen,
Thanks for all your support and welcoming our classrooms with open arms. It's not easy to be an administrator with units in your building but you always handled all situations with such pose and class. I wish I got an opportunity to work with you longer! You will be missed!

Stephanie McPeek

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Karen,
You are truly an outstanding individual. You welcomed me (and many other staff members) to Orchard Hollow with open arms and with an overwhelming amount of support. You not only care for your students and staff in the building, but outside as well. Thank you for all of your support and guidance, I have been lucky to have worked with you.

Megan Tompkins

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Karen,
Thank you for always encouraging me to pursue my crazy ideas, and for supporting me when my crazy ideas took me to places that were out of my comfort zone.
Enjoy your retirement, you will be missed!
Michelle Putney

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Thank you for making me feel so welcome my first year at Orchard. Even though I only worked for you one year, I felt like I knew you for many. You were always so easy to talk to, listened when I had suggestions or concerns, and helped me when I needed help. Thank you for all of the hard work you put in on a daily basis at Orchard. You will be missed!

Have an amazing retirement! You deserve it!

-Kassi Pike

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Karen,

Thanks for always always being so dedicated to everything Orchard Hollow—- even if that means putting on a dinosaur costume for Orchard Hollow! Thank you for all the support during my first two years at Orchard! We will miss you! Thank you for always supporting the craziest times of Structured Language!

Jessica Hren

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Karen, I will always remember you as the principal who hired me into the Mentor School District.  What a blessing it was to join the Orchard Hollow family! Your love for your students and staff was always able to shine through no matter how tough things may have gotten. You were always supportive and available any time I needed something.  It was you who encouraged me to move forward and get my Principal Licensure.  I will always be thankful for you and the memories of your time at Orchard Hollow! Enjoy your well deserved retirement!
Sara Lukacs

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Thank you Karen for being such a supportive and helpful principal and friend. I will miss our evening chats about anything and everything. I will also miss driving behind or in front of you on our way to school every morning. :) Enjoy some time before you jump into anything new. You deserve a relaxing break, especially after this distant learning. Hugs, Jenean Grambo

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I had to go digging for this video, but I'm so glad I found it! (Thanks Moni!). Such a good time listening to her band at Hofbrauhaus, I can't believe she got you up there with your beer!
Love, Richelle

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'Twas the Night Before Christmas.....

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Always having fun with the Kids!

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We Won!

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12 Years have gone by so fast!

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Please know I recall my days working with you at OH very fondly. I am so glad that our paths brought us together at the beginning of your career at Center St. when we shared an office together (1985). Spending time with you during your 1st year, I could tell you were a "gifted" teacher (no pun intended). Imagine my delight when you came to OH as Principal for the last 9 years of my career. I will always be grateful you pulled the new Principal card when you found out psychs were going to be moved around your 1st year!

It was such a privilege watching you become the Principal that you are today, a highly effective leader with incredible compassion for students, families, and staff but standing firm when needed. You never lost your sense of humor which was much appreciated. Your educational stewardship of OH has been nothing short of remarkable over the past 16 years and you've touched many lives over the course of your 35-year career in Mentor. You've inspired, motivated, and mentored numerous teachers and staff and have made life-long friends along the way.  I feel so privileged to have traveled even a fraction of that journey with you.

I have many fun memories of my time working with you. I so appreciated your participating in the year long 6th grade group which turned out to be quite the adventure!  As I recall, that ended with a 2 hour program for 5th and 6th grade students and a presentation of the American flag that had been flown in the school's honor in Afghanistan for donating supplies to the troops. I also absolutely loved that you endorsed the dog therapy program for the last 3 years of my career, one my most rewarding activities.

So, my dear friend, may your retirement be everything you wish for and then some! Best Wishes on your next great adventure~

With Gratitude,
Donna V.

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When I think of all the interactions we've had over the years, one of the first things that comes to mind is your smile! You always put things into perspective and you did it with grace, compassion and a smile. You continually celebrated the achievements of students with applause, kind words and a smile. You offered your support to parents with compassion, a hug, and a smile. You entered every PTA meeting with an open mind, thoughtful responses, and answered any tough question with a smile. You  donned costumes, themed outfits, and probably a few pies in the face, all with a positive attitude, humor and a smile. You supported your staff with notes of encouragement, words of gratitude and yes, your smile. At the end of each school year, you celebrated the achievements of your students and the efforts of your volunteers. Today, we get to honor you for all of your smiles and good works!
Happy Retirement, Karen!
Thank you for your leadership, guidance and smiles!
Brigit

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May every day and every moment of your retirement be fulfilling.  Thank you for your love, support, and encouragement.  You have been an inspiration in our lives and have motivated us to always be our BEST!  We'll miss you as our principal, but more as our mentor and friend.

Sending giant retirement hugs~
Jen Henk May (your crazy first grade teacher)

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Best wishes on your retirement.  I know you will enjoy the next phase of your life.  Your support at Orchard is appreciated and you will be missed.   Don't sweat the small stuff because it's all small stuff!  Enjoy!!

Tim

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Happy retirement! I am so thankful that you decided to hire me after the school year had already began! I have had a great five years with you.  You have been so supportive and helpful.  I truly appreciate you and all the work you have done for the students and staff at Orchard Hollow! I hope you enjoy your retirement and your new home!
Congratulations!!!
Nicole Morse

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Happy retirement! Although I was only at Orchard Hollow for one year, I am so grateful I got to know you! Thank you for all your support and guidance throughout the year! Wishing you all the best!
-Kori Perko

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You know you will miss seeing icons around the building.  Let me know if you need any for your home or if you need a daily schedule now that you're retired!!  - Lynn : )

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Ok, horrible picture of both of us BUT I remember getting a random FaceTime call from you and I open up my phone to THIS. It made me cry because I was laughing so hard. I knew you were learning to play MY clarinet for the kids at Orchard, but I didn't expect you to FaceTime me so I could hear you play a song (LOL). So glad I took a screenshot, I knew it would come in handy some day - and that day is today!

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Ok, horrible picture of both of us BUT I remember getting a random FaceTime call from you and I open up my phone to THIS. It made me cry because I was laughing so hard. I knew you were learning to play MY clarinet for the kids at Orchard, but I didn't expect you to FaceTime me so I could hear you play a song (LOL). So glad I took a screenshot, I knew it would come in handy some day - and that day is today!

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You are the BEST!

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I would not know this game if not for you!  Thank you!

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Congratulations! Thank you so much for your support, kindness and guidance over the years!  You have been a wonderful leader and have made such a difference in so many people's lives. Thank you for your continued dedication to the students and staff and for helping me grow as a teacher!  I will miss you! Best wishes for a wonderful retirement full of new adventures!
Heather Glavan

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Congratulations to our first born child!!

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Congratulations to our first born child!!

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I'm so proud and I know dad would be also of all you've accomplished in the past and am sure will continue to do so in the future.
Love
Mom (and dad too!)

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Congratulations! I am so happy for you, so many new adventures are ahead! Thank you for being the best principal I could have ever worked for. I have so many good memories of our time together. I will never forget my last day when you had every student give me a flower! I think I cried the entire day!
Marianne Boomer

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A special Pawsitive Note for you, Karen! Wishing you all the best!

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I have fond memories of our time working together at Center St. Village School...you were a very young, wonderful teacher! I'm happy that our paths continue to cross so that we can stay in touch. Best wishes for a happy, healthy retirement! You deserve the best, Becky D.

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Hi Karen,
Of course, I have many memories of our time together at Center Street Village Elementary School, my favorite is the time I came into your classroom to do an observation. It was a winter day and as I sat down, you were introducing the lesson with a strong “ anticipatory set”. However, it was hard to hear you because of the background noise of running water! Yep, right next to you was a stream of water cascading down the wall between the windows, leaking profusely from the roof. When I asked you about it, you replied, “ Oh that happens when the snow starts to melt, we ignore it. We have important things to do”. I think this illustrates your gift to keep focus on the major goal and not let anything distract you from achieving it. This has been your quest as a teacher and an administrator. From my vantage point, it is one reason for your success. Combine it with your passion and commitment  for teaching and learning, you get the result....a leader!!! Wishing you a wonderful retirement, but also feeling the loss of a capable, compassionate educator who cannot be replaced!!
Always,
Ken

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Gwen Barone

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Karen,
I am sad meeting you at the end of your
time in the Mentor School District. The time we have had has been a blast!
Enjoy the next chapter of your life!!
Cheryl V

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Congratulations, Karen!
How fast time goes! Thank you for your leadership, your kindness and your dedication to the students, staff and Orchard Hollow families. You are a very special person Karen, and you will be missed. I wish you all the best in this next chapter of your life. Thank you for everything!
Marianne

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Congratulations Karen! It has been such a pleasure working with you at Orchard Hollow. I met you in the beginning with my girls as students and was lucky enough to work beside you these last years at Orchard. You put your heart and soul into this school and it shows. You will be missed! Now is your time to slow down a bit and take in everything this new chapter of your life offers. 

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Congratulations Karen! It has been such a pleasure working with you at Orchard Hollow. I met you in the beginning with my girls as students and was lucky enough to work beside you these last years at Orchard. You put your heart and soul into this school and it shows. You will be missed! Now is your time to slow down a bit and take in everything this new chapter of your life offers. 

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Linda

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To a truly inspirational leader of Orchard Hollow Elementary. You have made a difference in lives of so many students and staff.  I will always remember that you gave me the opportunity to help run Project More. It was such a pleasure to work with the volunteers and students. Now it is time for you to relax until life leads you down another path.
-- Gwen Barone

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Thank you for all that you have done to make Orchard Hollow the BEST for our students, their families, and our staff.
Wishing you the BEST always!
Happy Retirement!!
Judy

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Happy Retirement! You're the best!

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I wish you a wonderful future with lots of time to enjoy with your family, friends, and hobbies.  Your leadership as a principal was outstanding! You sure have a way with words! I will miss you at Orchard Hollow!                               Gina

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I wish you a wonderful future with lots of time to enjoy with your family, friends, and hobbies.  Your leadership as a principal was outstanding! You sure have a way with words! I will miss you at Orchard Hollow!                               Gina

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Where did these years go?   I remember when you first started and I happened to be in the office. You asked me what all these committees were about. Honestly, I think you were asking the wrong person! lol I truly enjoyed working with you.  Enjoy what comes next in your life. 

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Where did these years go?   I remember when you first started and I happened to be in the office. You asked me what all these committees were about. Honestly, I think you were asking the wrong person! lol I truly enjoyed working with you.  Enjoy what comes next in your life. 

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Debbie

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Okay, pull your car up here. Great! No, maybe back a bit so it's in line with this one. Wait, are you sitting in your trunk area? Okay, then you need to turn around! Sorry, it was to funny not to add!😀

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As you reach this major milestone I just wanted to say that I am so blessed to have such an incredible big sister and role model!  While we still talk ALL the time :-), I will miss those morning drive chats!!  I know this next chapter of your life will be amazing and I will be with you every step of the way!
Love you!
Pam

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Wishing you all the best! It has been so nice having you as a principal and I have learned so much from you. Thank you for all your support, and dedication! I will miss you!
Melissa

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It is amazing how time flies.  It seems like just yesterday you returned to Orchard Hollow.  You will be missed!  Enjoy the next chapter in your life and all your new experiences.  Congratulations!

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It is amazing how time flies.  It seems like just yesterday you returned to Orchard Hollow.  You will be missed!  Enjoy the next chapter in your life and all your new experiences.  Congratulations!

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Des

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Congratulations on your retirement, Mom! I remember when I came to Orchard to take some pictures of you and the kids for my photography class. This and the other one I posted are my favorites because you look genuinely happy and you can tell you love being around those kids!

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This is my other favorite one :)

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Congratulations!  Wishing  you a happy new chapter in your life.  Thank you for being a great principal. Maria.

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Thank you for your dedication to our growing learners! You have made such a positive impact on our students, staff, and community!

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The picture attached was right after you first hired me and invited me to my first of HUNDREDS of meetings together. :)  I knew there was something special about Orchard Hollow and you that day.  I remember it very clearly.  I felt that you believed in me and would help me reach my potential.  My feeling was right! In the time I have known you, you have been an amazing leader for our school, mentor, and truth teller.  You do what's right no matter how hard it may be.  You seek first to understand, rather that to be understood. You see the good in everyone, and often wear yourself out doing so. You are going to be greatly missed! I know you will enter this next chapter with all of those things in addition with wanting to grow, because that's who you are.  You are always wanting to be better. I cannot express enough how much I will miss you and am thankful I  had the opportunity to work with you. - Abbey

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You will be missed by the Orchard Hollow Family!

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You will be missed by the Orchard Hollow Family!

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Congratulations Karen on your retirement! In the short time that I was able to spend at Orchard Hollow with you, you have helped me grow into the educator that I am and will continue to be! I have learned so much from you this past year and look up to your passion, drive, and dedication to not only the students, but the staff, and community. Thank you for everything, Karen. Enjoy! We will miss you already!
Love, Chelsea Sadlik

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“ May the Force always will be with you. ..."

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I am going to miss your handwritten CURSIVE notes the most, even if it takes me a few times before I can decipher them. 

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I am going to miss your handwritten CURSIVE notes the most, even if it takes me a few times before I can decipher them. 

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I am so excited to see what you will do in your next chapter! Words cannot express my appreciation for your outstanding leadership, dedication to students, and our staff. I have always looked to you as the example of a true servant leader. You know how to help others grow and reach higher. I promise to do my best to build upon what you have created at Orchard and to take care of your OH home and our OH family. I am blessed and grateful that I had the opportunity to work with you, learn from your example and call you friend!
“Oh! The Places You Will Go!”
Jen Harris

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I will always remember how much fun we had with all of the costumes!
I still laugh when I see this picture!  I am going to miss all our shinnanagins!
- Jen Harris