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To Whom It May Concern,
Alicia Stone is an exceptional young lady. Most everyone knows of her
intellectual acumen, lofty ambitions, dancing abilities, and kindness -
indeed, she is a sort of legend in her small hometown of Northfolk - but
few know of the struggle Alicia endured during her middle years of high
school. Alicia had a close friend, Lori, whom she had met at summer camp.
She and Lori had grown very close during the first two years of high
school.
During the middle of tenth grade, Alicia received news that Lori was
suffering from a rare degenerative disease. It was terminal, Alicia was
told. Alicia did not cry. She did not even take a moment to worry about
how this might affect her. She simply called me, her principal, and asked
if she could miss a few days of school, explaining to me the grave
situation. I told her that, of course, she may miss school, provided that
she make up her work, which she assured me she would, and which I already
knew she would without asking.
Then, before she hung up, Alicia asked me to pray on her friend's behalf,
and said, "I can go on without Lori - I have many friends and I will
mourn but I have a wonderful life. Lori is suffering so much, though, and
when it's all over, that will be it for her. And she is her mother's only
child, how will her mom go on." I was so impressed that Alicia was
thinking about everyone affected except herself: Lori, Lori's mother, but
not Alicia Stone. Such maturity. Alicia knew she had a wonderful life, she
had a strong Faith, but she felt for others so profoundly.
Alicia visited Lori often for several months, always bringing her cards
and flowers and of course, good cheer. Lori finally passed away that
Spring, and Alicia made sure to visit Lori's mother every week that
following summer.
You will read of Alicia's grades and scores and sports abilities, of her
awards and accolades; I wanted to relate this episode, as it characterizes
what this remarkable young lady is really all about. As she graduates high
school, I and all of Northfolk are so sad to see Alicia go, but realize
that she is destined to effect great things far beyond the narrow confines
of our small Rhode Island town.
Sincerely,
Taryn Decker
Principal, Northfolk High School
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