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Jennifer Skiles (Crawley)
Dear Classmates
I wanted to thank all that have given to our 1968 class memorial fund. This spring we gave a donation to the Soddy Daish High School Alumni Association of $250.00 (in memory of classmates that had died since our last reunion) and that was combined with other contributions to make up one of the three $1,000 scholarship they award each year. I thought you might enjoy reading the thank-you note from the senior who received the scholarship that included our funds. . .
"I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to your organization for selecting me for your scholarship. It means more than anyone will ever know because it's a brick in the foundation I am laying for my future. One of my generation's largest mistakes is believing we do not need to rely on someone or reach out for help, but I am a through believer in support and dependency. However you haven't dictated my life in anyway, nor will I let anything influence any of my decisions I consider justified, rather you have created a way to cross the bridge I am soon to come to.
I plan to pursue a career in film. It is a trade not widely recognized for its versatility in the economy we live in. Most believe film only pertains to movies and major productions, but it actually covers all things commercial, domestic, and entertaining. Film graduates can work by shooting live events, creating a documentary for the general public or private use, cover conventions and get-togethers, or shooting privately for entertainment and practice. There are many things that film and video experts can do to benefit others around them, because in the end it's all about the audience.
My fascination with Film began my sophomore year and expanded from a hobby into a passion in a matter of days after my teacher recognized my abilities with a camera and its supporting software. Since then I have directed several productions for the school, and directed in timed film festival where my crew and I won 9 awards which included: Best Director, Best Film, Best Sound Design, Best Cinematography, and some other awards. I have also recently became an Adobe Certified Associate in Premier Pro, which is a NLD (Non-Linier Editing) program. I plan on becoming a certified expert in the summer of this fall.
I'm telling you all of this because I want you to know what you have invested in because it is an honor. Film majors are not as widely recognized amongst other career choices, and are usually looked over in terms of scholarships and grants. Your organization is part of something special to me, and for that I am eternally gratefully.
Thank you. Isaiah Jones"
The teacher who recommend him for consideration of a scholarship spoke very highly of him, his character, his ability and his determination. I thought I could read some traces of determination that reminded me of some kids I knew about 47 years ago! Thought you would like to know this, and I wanted to thank all of you who have generously given to the memorial fund. I try to keep up with the deaths of our local classmates. Pat Poe Valentine and others are very good to notify me when they hear of anything. I think you will agree with us that all of them happen too soon! Hope to see ALL of you at our 50th high school reunion, and that is not so very far away. One other thing I wanted to tell you, Mr. & Mrs. Smithson always give us a donation for our memorial fund each time they join us for a party. They truly do think of us as their "children", and like to be included in our events.
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