Many thanks

Dear Editor:

This is a letter of thanks to the many wonderful people I have met as a parent of two Claremont Unified School District (CUSD) children and a member of the Claremont Educational Foundation (CEF).  Last night was CEF’s 5th Annual Shop & Dine.  For those unfamiliar with the event, it came into being during the spring of 2003, in response to the state budget crisis that was having a widespread impact on the CUSD.  To help “bridge the gap,” the SOS (Save Our Schools) campaign began.  Shop & Dine was one part of the campaign, a single day meant to increase awareness of public education issues, particularly in Claremont, and to raise funds for each of the schools of the CUSD.  Everyone in the community is encouraged to patronize those businesses the day of Shop & Dine (and throughout the year as a measure of thanks), which either contribute a set amount or a percentage of their profits from the day of Shop & Dine. 

While this 5th Shop & Dine will be my last, as my family is moving, I expect CEF to continue to hold the event in perpetuity, or at least that is my hope.  There are few events that are meant to benefit all students and all schools of the CUSD.  Because of CEF, I have had the chance to meet many bright and hardworking individuals throughout the CUSD.  People like Maria Jimenez, a devoted mother of Vista del Valle Elementary School and El Roble Intermediate students and tireless volunteer; Steve Hamilton, Principal of Danbury Elementary, who along with his faculty and staff have become regular Shop & Dine volunteers; Chaparral’s Principal Lori Kerns, who is never too busy to brainstorm, and Ken Corhan, CEF’s secretary, and a past president with an endearing generous spirit.  There are too many more to personally recognize, but I do owe an enormous thank you to Condit Elementary School, where my two oldest daughters (the youngest is still in preschool) attend.  While my family has been very happy at Condit, I know families equally as happy with the seven other public elementary schools in Claremont where their children attend.  For that reason alone, I think the CUSD and each of the schools deserve a great deal of thanks.  That the majority of these students can come together at El Roble Intermediate School and later Claremont High School is even more amazing. 

For my family, Loretta Hsu Gromo, Sandra Nesbit, Patti Frazer, Linda Caputo, Patti Amaya, Kelly Milburn and Marilyn Barnes will be fondly remembered for creating an environment that allowed our children to shine.  I still remember my elementary school days—special teachers, events and friends, and as a mother I’m joyful to know that they will do the same.  I hope the generous spirit that began as part of the SOS campaign continues to benefit all students and families of the CUSD. 

June O’Leary
Claremont