After almost 18 wonderful years as public relations consultant to the Garden City Schools, I am no longer with the district. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the great people who made my experiences so rewarding and also so much fun. To the Garden City Life and Carisa Keane, thank you for the great job you do.

Without the principals, assistant principals, teachers and staff, there would be no public relations program. When I haunted them for news, they produced something great. Thanks also to Ronnie Agostinelli, the best proofreader around. The bus drivers deserve a huge round of applause, as they were always there to get the releases to the newspapers on time.

Over the years, I did an enormous number of special events and our local merchants added to the success of these ventures. Hengstenberg's Florist, Things and Stuff, Prime, Culinary Heights, Manor Fruit Shack, Michelle's Hallmark and to many others I may have missed, your product was consistently perfect and of the highest quality. The real heroes in the area of special events were the custodians. It couldn't have been done without them!

Working with the students and community was the highlight of my career. The first day of school with all those adorable kindergarten children was truly a favorite of mine. Sharing so many experiences with so many terrific young people was really very special. Homecoming and other events that were cooperative efforts with the chamber of commerce and the village were a privilege to be a part of.

The Adult Education office has been my home for these many years. To Susan Schweitzer, Alice Zapf and Robert Palmer, my loyal friends, "You're the best!" Always ready to help get the job done and done well.

In closing, I hope to see you in another venue. Thank you to all for your efforts and friendship.

Carole Dean