Hi Mr. Kushner

What a thrill it is to have an opportunity to send this note to you.  It is very rare that 45 years later you get the chance to tell a teacher what a huge impact they had on your life.  Being in the one act play, "The Flattering Word," was a wonderful opportunity.  But most of all it came at a time when being part of a winning group was very important.  Being a teen girl not in the in-crowd can be challenging,  but being part of the "drama scene" filled the gap for me.  More importantly it taught me many important skills that have been pivotal in my adult life.

Speaking in front of groups, preparing my lines including the jokes, and engaging the audience are all directly related to my drama experience.  But more importantly when I was raising my three sons I knew how important it was for my teen children to find a group lead by an adult that was a wonderful role model.  While not drama, all of my children found such a group.

Now the grandmother of 7 the idea of finding role models outside the family is being passed on.  My middle son is a AP history teacher and has often heard the story about you and the one act play and Romeo & Juliet.  He is now making a difference.

So it is we a very full heart that I want to thank you for all your efforts on my behalf so many years ago.  You are a bright spot in my memory bank and I will always be grateful for having known you.  I am so excited that the class of '63 is honoring you.  I am sure many of them will have wonderful stories to tell.  I am sorry I am missing the party.  But I will be there in spirit. 

Warmest personal regards

Denny Carnahan Macklin