Dear Aleksa,

I will never forget when you were in my grade 5-6 class and I had assigned an English book report. Most students chose a book from my class library but you came and asked me if you could read something from home. I said sure, not knowing what it might be. The next day you came in with Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks. i had not heard of him so I went out that night and purchased the book. I started reading it and could not put it down. A few days later we shared our thoughts about it. I realized then that you were way beyond your years in your understanding of human nature and relationships. Quiet, (except when with Mya and Kenna), I saw your ability to observe and evaluate all that happenned around you and over the years I witnessed you blossoming into a beautiful, kind and loving young woman. Certain students leave an imprint with their teachers and you, my love, were one of them. You taught me to never underestimate the depth of a young student's thoughts and I thank you for that. I will remember you always and every time I read a Nicholas Sparks novel..I will smile.

Annette Johnson