Very Outstanding

It's been a busy month, but I'll have to play catch up later.

But first I need to document a momentous day in the Merrill Family.

Madison was selected to receive the City of Thousand Oaks Outstanding Citizen Award sponsored by the Rotary Club.

We received a letter in the mail and didn't know what it was about until I looked it up and found newspaper articles about it from last year.

One student from each school who exhibits exemplary citizenship and character is selected by the Principal and teachers and is invited to a beautiful luncheon held at the Golf Course and is attended by city dignitaries including the mayor, superintendent of schools, and county supervisor.

Mr. Iezza, director of Elementary Ed; Mr. Contini, Superintendent of CVUSD; Linda Parks, Ventura County Supervisor; Dennis Gillette, Mayor.

We are very proud of Madison and her well-deserved recognition. It was an amazing day and an opportunity for her to shine and grow. We pulled Brooke out of school, too, as she wanted to support her sister and see her receive the award. My parents came as well and it was a very nice event.

The announcer said many wonderful things about Madison and she went up and shook each of the officials' hands as they each handed her an award and plaque.

We are very proud of you sweet Maddy and hope this is a springboard for you to accomplish many great things in your life!

Greg Chapple, Madison, Jessica Pace - The other LDS kids who also received the award. Greg has had a huge crush on Maddy since preschool! (She's squatting down a bit so she's not so tall next to him - to try and make him feel better! haha)