A Letter Of Thanks To Newtown

To the Editor:

Life to my generation, and generations before me, is often a twisted path of uneven terrain, unpredictable choices, hidden trials, sharp turns. About this time last year, my life took an unexpected swerve — this time an uphill climb.

I was beginning my sophomore year at Newtown High School, my second year in Sandy Hook. Perhaps it was my third week in school when my English teacher, Mrs Kerry Baldwin, nominated me for the National Student Leadership Conference for the following summer. Smiles immediately tore across my face and my heart leaped in amazement. Mrs Baldwin believed that I possessed the capacity for leadership; she had uncovered, to my astonishment, a path I knew I needed to take.

This sense of total bewilderment intensified when we later received the “Certificate of Acceptance” from the conference staff. After immediately selecting the International Diplomacy program in Washington, D.C., my mother and I read the fine print — $2,000 dollars would be necessary to continue on this lane. So, began my first great fundraising adventure — somewhat comparable to that of Odysseus’ travels. My journey carried me through the compassionate hearts of fellow Newtowners, down the perilous precipices of letter writing, phone calling, and faxing. Thanks to the generosity of Newtown businesses and individuals, my parents and friends, I began the trip of my life.

With the capital city as destination, it was a charmed expedition. There I encountered (and was counted among) some of our nation’s most outstanding students. I am still — months and another state later — honored to have been considered part of such an extraordinary assembly of revolutionary youths dedicated to the betterment of our international society. It was by the far the best 11 days of my life, flooded with invaluable memories of brilliance, dedication, and commitment. Through discussions with my peers, global leaders, and persons in positions of empowerment, I gained a renewed hope in my generation. Incredibly, unexpectedly, I witnessed the hand of God at work. Each and every day of the camp was a brand new adventure — an unpatented, unrefined, unparalleled adventure that I owe to the generosity of the town of Newtown (and of course Sandy Hook).

It was you, Newtown, who heard my voice — my quest for help was articulated in a feature article in The Newtown Bee. Thank you for taking action. Thank you for assisting a fellow traveler on her mission towards enlightenment. From simple family members to small business owners you responded with gifts of encouragement and support that exceeded any limited aspirations. Truly, your kind words still inspire me.

I will forever keep your goodwill in my heart as a constant reminder of the genuine goodness that exists in all humanity. With this I will stay the course, I will champion the Spirit, I will finish the race. Lexington Gardens, Newtown Florists, The Gym at Newtown, The Bee, The Blue Colony Diner, Associated Refuse, and Newtown Pharmacy — I am forever in your debt. To the extraordinarily gracious personalities like the Wong family, Mrs Dutchick, Jerry Ward, and Cindy Cowen and Grandon, may many blessings shine light upon your paths. May God take each of us where we need to go. May He continue to uplift the community of Newtown with gifts of grace, generosity, and integrity. May He keep you in His sight, sustaining you in infinite love and affection as you have sustained me. Thank you again and God bless!

Emelye Neff

Albuquerque, N.M.                                                  December 3, 2004