Dear Ella,

Just yesterday it seems, you fit into the crook of your father’s arm as you slept. You wore dresses every day to pre-school, but still played in the mud. You “created” every day: cutting dresses out of your father’s old shirts, painting on the easel, redesigning your room, or writing a one-act play for the neighbors and your younger sister ​to perform. You made the dance team and were so proud of your hard work. You started neighborhood can drives and clean ups. You joined Student Council in Middle School and took on leadership roles. You shoveled horse poop for no pay at the Children’s Zoo. You made the Southeast High School Clothing Closet YOUR project. You took a few tennis lessons and decided to try out for the tennis team freshman year and worked up to becoming the winner at the JV City meet. You volunteered many hours to train as a Launch Leadership counselor. You walked the stage for National Honor Society and to accept your academic letter and pin. And, you did all of these things with love in your heart and a smile on your face.

You see opportunities and you don’t hesitate to take them. You tackle every challenge before you with grit and resilience. You achieve the goals you lay out for yourself and then some. You have it in you to become whatever and whomever you wish to be. And, Team Salem will be behind you every step of the way, cheering you on.

We love you and the young adult you are becoming.

Much love,
Mom, Dad, and Claudia

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