It’s always refreshing and calming to see the green leaves fluttering in the early summer
breezes and to hear them gently whooshing. Sometimes I can’t help but think that these early
summer breezes are really the result of a great, collective exhalation from the universe of
teachers. While we all love our students and classroom experiences, we also love that sigh of
relief when we get to close the book on another academic year. Even when there is still work to
be done over the summer, the change of pace and chance to reflect and regroup are always
welcome.

Our spring meeting always feels like the signal that we’re almost to the finish line. We recognize
the achievements of our students and fellow teachers. We reconnect with old friends. We
welcome new members into the fold. We also take the time to remember the passing of
longtime CAV colleagues. This time we honored the memory of John Harris and Shirley Hall.
The lovely and moving remembrance that Lori Kissell presented for Shirley reminded us how
important the bonds are that we form through our professional associations. Often, there are
fellow teachers whom we really see only several times a year, but who bring us such happiness
and much needed support and inspiration when we do see them. We might be the only teacher
at our school, but we are sustained, in part, by knowing that we have other colleagues around
the state who are grinding away daily in the same way to educate and inspire the next
generation. And when we get to see them again, whether through CAV, FLAVA, VJCL, SCS or
some other acronymic group, we know we are not alone and we are reminded of what it is all
about.

As I hit the midway point of my term as President, I am grateful for all the hard work, dedication,
and support from so many friends and colleagues, old and new, whom I have come to know
over the years through CAV.

Maximas gratias vobis ago et aestas salubris iucundaque omnibus sit!
E corde imo, Pat Bradley, RCHS / Lexington