Hello all this is Achea Redd and I wanted to take the time to formally introduce myself. After many months of preparation and designing, our new web page is finally up and running. I am so excited to be able to talk with everyone about the new and exciting events we have coming up. So stay tuned!
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June 26, 2009 at 7:17 pm |
Hi Achea,
I was Michael’s second grade teacher. The last time I spoke with Michael and his family was when his number was retired at West High School. He invited me to be part of that and I’ll never forget it. What a special memory. I was Michael’s teacher during my first few years of teaching. I wish so much I had vivid memories of Michael at that time, but I think I was just trying to make it through those first years of teaching so my memory is faint. Michael reminded me at that celebration that I was the first teacher to send him to the office for doing the “moon walk”. Not sure I want to be famous for that.
Strange to type that memory today with the news of Michael Jackson’s passing yesterday. Anyway, I went back through all my teaching things and tried to stir up more memories. Unfortunately, there were no such things as yearbooks back then. Some day I would love to see pictures of Michael at that age because I think it would help to jog an old lady’s memory! haha!
I have one other connection with you all in that I was Aliah Baytop’s teacher in sixth grade. She said she goes to church with you all and knows you. I love Aliah. I can’t believe she’ll be in 8th grade next year!
I have asked to be a volunteer at your celebrity golf outing if you still need help. I’m sure someone will contact me if they need more help. My own two children are in college (my youngest is going for the first time this fall), so I’m thinking about jumping on board with tutoring or other volunteer work for your organization. Getting reacquainted with Redd’s a few years ago reminded me just what wonderful people they are and how much you are all focused on giving back. I would like to join your cause.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Please tell Michael that “Mrs Clay” said hi!
Tracie Clay
June 30, 2009 at 1:50 am |
Well Hello Mrs. Clay! What a pleasure to meet you. Oddly enough Michael ended up marrying a former teacher as well. I was priveleged to teach for just a few years but I loved every minute. I actually started teaching high school English and then was moved to fourth grade. We have a wonderful opportunity to really get our hands dirty and give back to the community. The few years that I spent teaching were some of the most rewarding years of my life and that was what fueled our inspiration for starting the foundation. I am elated to have met you via blog and and I am very excited about the possibility of working with you. Talk to you soon!