When I first joined the District, I heard about the wildcard local newspaper and was advised to not engage. So upon hearing that, of course, I absolutely had to meet the Editor.
I was kindly invited to the AVA office, which at that time was located parallel to the highway. I felt a little bit like Daniel going into the lions’ den but was greeted by Mr. Anderson and the Major for a long, winding, and frankly fun, discussion about public education. It was a refreshing first meeting followed by numerous more discussions (one over a neat Makers Mark, but most over tea) and probably hundreds of emails. I am incredibly grateful to the AVA, Mr. Anderson, and the Major for allowing the public an opportunity to learn more about their school system and to spread the call for help, when we were seeking State assistance for our failed infrastructure. The mighty AVA came through and helped readers fan the flames of discontent and outrage to officials sending a loud and clear message that kids in rural school systems deserve a learning environment comparable to neighboring well-funded systems. It was good.
So the public impact was huge, but I will never forget the private moments of influence and belief that were created by the hardcopy AVA publication. For kids that grew up with their eyeballs fixated to a 2-inch screen, handing them a hardcopy paper featuring their work or positive actions was like no other. I will never forget handing a student a hardcopy of a story that she had published about her journey out of violence in Mexico to Anderson Valley. As she held the paper, a huge smile warmed her face and with tearful eyes she said, “I want to show my mom.” The AVA’s impact on the student got even better when a local read about the student’s journey and made a generous scholarship donation to her. An act of kindness made possible by a community newspaper, that through one story, created an act of generosity that will change a student for a lifetime.
I thank you Mr. Anderson and Major Scaramella for your work and commitment. The paper edition will be profoundly missed, but may the Mighty Electronic AVA version continue to be a forum for discussion and discourse, so that this community can continue to grow and prosper.
We are grateful.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the importance of a community newspaper. Many of us have learned of your exceptional work on behalf of valley schools through the AVA.
Ms. Simson
I would be remiss if I did not thank you, Ms. Simson, for your devotion to the students and people of Anderson Valley. I do not live in the area, but I read the AVA online and have read your contributions whenever they appear.
I have no doubt the students and parents will miss your hands-on approach to any situation that may arise.
Best of luck moving forward, and be well,
Thanks again,
Laz
Thank you, Louise Simson for the “inside story” of your relationship with the AVA. Good for the AVA, good for you. But most of all, thank you for your committed, enthusiastic, whole-hearted,effective leadership of your beloved local school system. In these hard times, it has been such a pleasure, such positive news, to hear of all the ongoing accomplishments–good for the students and their parents, and good for the community as well.
Blessings and fine fortune to you as you take on the next challenge.
Thank you all for your kindness. It has been a privilege to serve the students and community. Wishing Mr. Anderson continued improved health and lots more AV Unified good news to follow!
A fine tribute from someone who has served the Anderson Valley community well. Thank you.
I have worked with enough school superintendents to recognize a good one. Anderson Valley has been lucky to have Superintendent Simson. Thanks to her and the AVA for bringing the news of the schools to the people who pay for the schools. Thank again Louise for all your hard work. I wish you good health and happiness in the next phase of your life.
Don Cruser, representing the fifth district on the Mendocino County Board of Education