Kristen Jackson

Sep 8, 2011

Dear Kristen,

The Lion King's signature song, "The Circle of Life", proudly and strongly calls us all to action to find our place, standing up for ourselves and others while being a change agent.    When the call came that the Frankford Team was looking to pay tribute to a special young staff member who passed away last year, you quickly stepped forward to offer your wonderful gifts and talents to memorialize Terence in a spectacular way.  Of course, based upon Terence's love and commitment to the children in the Autistic Support classroom, the idea was presented to dedicate the Therapy room to him.

The Children Services Team raised funds on their own for the paint and supply costs.   Due to Terence's love of the Lion King, you designed and painted a full size portrait of Mufasa holding a little Simba on his shoulders, a jungle scene, and the autism awareness puzzle pieces so that friends and family could write their memories on the wall. As an incredible Pre-K Counts teacher at Drummond Road campus, we know that you are committed to the growth and development of each child you support.  Outside of your dedicated work efforts, you volunteered your time and creative talents morning, noon and night for seven full days during your vacation time to ensure the completion of the mural.  Under your watchful eye, you welcomed Frankford colleagues and Jill Zajac to help paint the murals. And the final product is not to be believed!  Without your leadership and will to action, this project would not have been completed.

Over this summer, Terence's family, including his grandmother, was in Philadelphia from South Carolina and they attended the dedication of the Therapy room.  His family had the opportunity to see the love pouring out for Terence. What a blessing for everyone!

The powerful lyrics of Tim Rice and Elton John's "The Circle of Life" captures your remarkable call to action:

It's the Circle of Life

And it moves us all

Through despair and hope

Through faith and love

Til we find our place

On the path unwinding

In the Circle

The Circle of Life

Kristen, we especially thank you and recognize you for your generosity of time, patience, talent, perseverance and love.  On behalf of the SPIN Corporate Board, your fellow children services team members and the Godbolt family, we recognize your excellence and we salute you as Augusts' Employee of the Month.   You certainly are an inspiration to all of us and I know that Terence is surely smiling brightly.

Sincerely,

Judith R. Dotzman
Executive Director