• Donald Graham Elementary Says Goodbye to Three

Today Donald Graham Elementary said goodbye to three members of their family. Kindergarten teachers Mrs. Fisher and Mrs. Nicholas along with Principal Laura Konecni.

The duo have worked together since they both joined the district in August of 1985. 

That's 35 years as a team

They didn't know each other before being placed in the same classroom all those years ago, but have stayed together as a team ever since.

A beautiful day, with delightful balloons and wonderful people.

The send off came with a parade of cars that lasted more than ten minutes. Wildomar's fire engine and medic squad from Station 61 were at the front of the procession.

I almost needed the panoramic lens to capture the entire scene where Station 61's fire engine drove past with the siren ringing out.

Wildomar's new medic truck was part of the parade.

After the sirens, came the horns from car after car. Some decorated, others with people poking out of sunroofs. Some stopped to give an envelope or flowers.

The outpouring of admiration was unmistakable.

Many DGE students participated too.

Taking photos from the catbird seat.

Very festively appointed.

Adding to the fun and noisy parade any way one could. 

Wildomar Mayor Pro-Tem Bridgette Moore had arranged for the fire department's participation, and that too of our police... but due to circumstances the police were needed elsewhere. 

She had certificates from the city prepared, but had to dash off to a Zoom meeting and asked if I could pinch hit for her. 

It was a great honor to present the certificates to the trio... and a fun part of the story is that Laura Konecni, the outgoing principal, hadn't told Bridgette that she was retiring too. Bridgette deduced it and had a certificate made for her as well, and we surprised her with it.

Mrs. Fisher, Laura Konecni, Mrs. Nicholas and City Councilman Joseph Morabito. The microphone was practicing "social distancing" since it was in feedback mode if point elsewhere. 

The pair each said a few words

"I don't have the words, but all the memories and all the things that have happened over the years and all the things that we've gone through —the good and rough, thank you so much to each and every one of you, I love you all." 
— Mrs. Nicholas

"Thank you, I didn't expect that. We've made a lot of great friends and have lots of good memories. Thank you."
— Mrs. Fisher

The community thanks these three role models for all their years of dedication and service to making our world a better place.

•                •                •

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.

– Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 

Wildomar Rap has neither genius, power nor magic, but can provide an ersatz substitute if need be.

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