Thank you!

Dear Editor:

I am writing this letter to recognize and express my thanks for the excellent work that is being done, behind the scenes at a couple of our local schools.

My family and I have seen two generations, our children and recently our grandchildren pass through Blue Ridge Middle School and Waterford Elementary School. Over the years we have attended many performances, plays, recognition and award ceremonies at both schools for the students, most recently our grandchildren.

Blue Ridge Middle School and Waterford Elementary School are two very fine schools with dedicated staff that quietly focus on educating, mentoring and encouraging their students. This is not to say that there are not other great educators and schools in Loudoun, but these two schools are real gems that we have had firsthand experience with.

Brion Bell, Principal, Blue Ridge Middle School and Andrew Heironimus, Principal at Waterford Elementary School, along with the rest of their wonderful staff, are excellent educators who are absolutely committed to their mission.

They are upbeat, encouraging and gentle with the kids. They know their parents. They are not just educating the children, they are encouraging them and helping them to discover their niche, the places where they can excel and build confidence, affording all of the students opportunities to find success and be recognized for it.

All too often, we take for granted the good things that happen in life and we don’t realize that good things don’t happen by accident. It takes good people working hard to make good things happen.

Thank you Principal Brion Bell, Principal Andrew Heironimus and your amazing staff for the great work that you do. Your students and their parents will remember you for the dedication, kindness and respect you gave them.

They will be able to look back through the years and recognize the educators and teachers who truly helped and inspired them. They will remember the ones who taught, encouraged, and guided them through the tough assignments and challenging seasons of growing up … I still remember mine.

Geary Higgins
Waterford, Virginia