Eve of a New Chapter: Bittersweet Goodbyes & Bold Beginnings

 

Today feels different.
Tomorrow marks the start of a brand-new school year, and my son, Landen, is stepping into 7th grade. Just saying that out loud fills me with a deep, overwhelming pride. The strides this boy has made—not just academically, but emotionally and personally—have been nothing short of inspiring. For every setback he’s faced, he’s come back stronger. Mama couldn’t be prouder.

We’re entering the Middle School era—a new world of lockers, wider hallways, growing independence, and the first steps toward discovering who you truly are. Landen, I know you're ready. You’ve got a heart full of courage and a mind made for greatness.

But tomorrow is more than just the first day of school.
It’s also the beginning of the final chapter for a legacy 69 years strong. The school that shaped me—as a student, a parent, and a Parent Lead—is closing its doors after this year. And somehow, I’ve been given the honor of helping it close with intention, love, and meaning.

It’s bittersweet—deeply bittersweet.

As I sit here tonight, memories come flooding in: those first PTA meetings, heartfelt hallway conversations with teachers, moments of triumph, and yes, the hard-fought battles for what’s right. I see laughter, late nights, spirit weeks, and the kind of organized chaos that only passionate people create when they care deeply. That beautiful chaos.

To the next wave of advocates rising in our community: you are the future—and I already see the fire in you. I broke glass ceilings so your voices wouldn’t echo into silence—they’d be heard, loud and clear. I challenged policies, started uncomfortable conversations, and took bold steps—all out of love. Love for our kids, our teachers, and the kind of learning environment that nourishes not just the brain, but the whole soul.

So here we are—standing at the edge of a new beginning, and a respectful goodbye.

This year will be full of memories, milestones, and meaningful moments. I know it will be our best yet. And while I may get teary-eyed walking those familiar halls, I’ll hold my head high—knowing I gave it everything I had and left something better behind.

Here’s to Landen.
Here’s to Middle School.
Here’s to legacies, love, and letting go.
And here’s to the beautiful chaos that makes real change possible.