Dear Evergreen Families,

This month I am listening to or reading something about American Black History each day.

This morning I listened to the recording of a speech given by Bernard A. Harris Jr. to a group of graduating students. Bernard Harris was the first African-American to walk in space. In his speech, Dr. Harris told the graduates that he was turned down the first time he applied to be selected to go into space.  He was disappointed, but decided that failure “allowed me to...grow.”  Dr. Harris went on to say, “I believe that you shouldn’t let failure define you. Instead, you should let failure refine you.” In his speech, Dr. Harris challenged his listeners to find their dream and work toward it and then stated, “You will change the world.”  

This month I also want to listen to you. I have the incredible privilege of seeing and working with your children each day.  Evergreen parents/guardians, I ask that you take a few minutes this month to call me or send an email or note to me to share your dreams for your child(ren) as we reflect on our theme: All Things. Hold Together.

He is before all things and in Him, all things hold together. Colossians 1:17

Blessings,

—Ann Bakker