I hope this testimonial makes it through. I wrote one about 3 weeks ago and it seems to have slipped through somewhere!I am so honored, as are the seniors in the first graduating AVID class at Eureka High School, to be one of the first recipients of the Justin Keele Make a Difference Award. The award alone is beautiful, but to have known Justin and to understand fully the depth of the meaning of this award adds a magnificence that is somewhat overwhelming.
Having worked with Justin closely in matters of leadership at EHS, I know that he would be really proud of the AVID Honoring Ceremony that took place at the Morris Graves Museum in part due to the contribution of some of the funds from his foundation. He would have smiled that big Justin smile and added some incredible magic touch to the whole thing to make it seem like it was "extra-special" - he had that way about him!! He would have approved and deighted in the outcome.
This AVID class, being the very first to graduate from EHS, is extra special in that they have set the bar for those who follow in their footsteps. They have shown to many other students like them that it is possible to go to college even if you don't have the financial means, the support at home, or didn't have access to information that would lead you there. All of these graduates (21) will go out and contribute to their worlds and carry forth one of Justin's goals -"To leave the world a bit better".
I am deeply honored to have known Justin and to be included in the first distribution of his fund. I am a proud torch carrier for the spirit of Justin. I am blessed.
Love - Stephanie Jackson
Stephanie Jackson
6/22/2008 9:02:14 AM12.72.195.30
