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An Awesome Reward

I was greatly honored to have my name submitted to the Ad-Hoc New Elementary School Naming Committee. The nomination was a surprise to me and a delight in that it came from, among others, adults who were involved as high school kids in programs I ran for 27 years as part of Madison Youth and Family Services. I don't know the name of every person who supported my nomination, so I cannot write each an individual note of appreciation. I hope that this letter, in some small way, lets people know how deeply touched I have been by the energy and love put out on my behalf.

I thank Erik Becker, head football coach at Daniel Hand High School, Scott Cochran, director of Madison Youth and Family Services, Peter Chorney, executive director of Grove School, and Mike Skonieczny of the Yale Global Health Initiative for their speeches in January. They are people who enrich my life. Thanks to my family, the most loving and best support system anyone could want.

I was moved to be in the "possible names" company of Noreen Kokoruda, Don Rankin, Bob Hale, and Warner Lord, all of whom I have known and respected. I appreciate the committee and the extended decision process they utilized. It provided space for a lot of voices to be heard, which is always positive. Finally, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many interesting, delightful teenagers who grew up to be caring, interesting, and responsive adults. That's an awesome reward.

Taffy Bowes

Madison