I want to take this opportunity to properly thank you for the award that you presented me with yesterday. I did not fully comprehend what was happening at the time and you may laugh when I explain why. We do not usually hold assemblies on Wednesdays and the change in the schedule for the day was creating some challenges when it comes to food preparation for our Wednesday Threads lunch. I would normally have period two to finish getting food ready for lunch but because of the assembly, I no longer had that time. I found myself faced with a difficult decision. Do I skip the assembly and get food ready for lunch or do I go to the assembly and not have the food ready? I decided to skip the assembly and face the consequences that might follow. What I didn’t realize was how quickly I would be found out – busted in less than fifteen minutes!!!! I knew as soon as I heard the knock at my classroom door that the gig was up. A fellow colleague was there to inform me that Charlotte (our principal) was looking for me and that he was there to escort me downstairs. “Oh boy” I thought, “I am in big trouble now – my first time skipping an assembly and I am so busted!” I dutifully headed downstairs and walked towards the front of the gym to meet my punishment (totally oblivious to what was happening on the stage I might add). Charlotte motioned for me to follow her and we walked towards the back of the stage. “Oh dear” I thought, “she must be mad if she is taking me back there”. It really started to feel strange when she motioned for me to go up the back stairs behind the curtain towards the stage. I stood there awkwardly while the gentleman on the stage gave his speech but I was so nervous that I did not hear a single word he was saying. Charlotte must have sensed that I was not aware of what was happening and then, and only then, informed me that I was receiving an award. I am not sure what I said after that because I was too busy thanking God that I still had a job. Before I knew it I was on the stage in front of the whole school feeling the need to confess my sin and explain my whereabouts. I think I said something about being busted the very first time I skipped an assembly… but that I needed to put the icing on the cupcakes in time for lunch… It was definitely not the most eloquent response to such a prestigious award.

After lunch I had a few minutes to sit down and reflect on the events of the morning. I knew that I had gotten an award but I wasn’t quite sure what it was really all about. When I researched the significance of being named a Paul Harris Fellow, I realized just how big a deal it was. I am honored, humbled and truly touched by such a kind and considerate gesture when you have already given so much to my Threads program. I am not sure that someone who skips an assembly deserves this kind of award but I can assure you that I am truly thankful for it.

Take care. Martha