Gratefulness

In this holiday season in which we focus on giving thanks, I find myself having so many people and moments for which to be grateful. One of the most inspiring moments happened only a few days ago. Not only am I the library media specialist here at the high school, but also I am the head field hockey coach. At the end of every season, the field hockey team gives me a gift to show their appreciation. This year's team gave me a gift that goes above and beyond thoughtfulness. Knowing that I am trying to update the high school library's collection with more modern literature, the girls asked me for a wish list of books for the library. I developed a list consisting of award winning young adult fiction titles and books most frequently requested by students. The night of our field hockey banquet, the girls surprised me with 24 books from the list I generated.

This gift means more to me than any other gift I've received in 11 years of coaching. By truly thinking about what I value, the education and passion of our students, the girls have given a gift to everyone who visits the high school library. I am so excited to be able to share these new books with our students. I wouldn't have been able to do so otherwise in these difficult economic times.

I can't begin to express how grateful I am to the hockey team for their thoughtfulness and kind gesture. Each time I checkout one of these books to a student, I will be reminded of the positive contribution that these fine young ladies have made to their school!