Leigh Shelton is the teacher for Hampden Dubose Academy in Zellwood, Fl.

For the past school year I have had the honor and privelage of sharing a tiny school building with Mrs. Shelton. My art class room is seperated from her room by an old, but quaint, wooden door. On the top of our building is a small room where the 6th, 7th and 8th graders have class - all in the same room. (The entire school, grades K-4 through high school has only about 60 students).

As a newcomer to this school I was mesmorised by the country setting with its large oaks, green meadows and clustered of 100 year old buildings scattered about the campus. The history is evident in the small graveyard at the edge of the grounds and the abandoned tiny chapel.

Two of my three sons attended this school this past year. My five year old, Sam, learned how to write in cursive and is reading on a 2nd grade level. (Thank you Mrs. Hende!) Next year he will be in 1st grade. My 10 year old, who had been used to a tough public school, learned how to love-thy-neighbor...instead of guard-my-back. (Thank You Mrs. Estre!)

Although I only teach once a week, Mrs. Shelton has had a profound affect on me and many children. Her energetic voice would bellow through our thin wooden divider. Hymes, laughs and lessons were like listening to a symphony. I'll never understand how she could conduct herself with such a positive attitude and loving spirit after many hours and weeks with a room filled with small children. They are adorable and loving... and very young!

Thank you, Mrs. Shelton, for wiping countless noses and tears. Thank you for hugging away the hurts of boo-boos and tugging of pony tails. Thank you for loving the little children who are not even your own... even when noone else was watching or listening.

Most of all, thank you for being my friend and kind to all!

Sent with love, hugs and blessings,
Your Friend,
Amy