Thank Yous

The coolest man in El Dorado

It all started when I heard about the VFW essay contest. Being interested in writing, I decided to actually go above and beyond in this assignment in Mrs. Cooper’s English class. And boy did I! Expressing my feeling was what I thought I was doing, but really I was setting myself up to go to Washington D.C. And who was with me along the way? Well none other than Roger Floyd.

When I won the local and district contest and was moving up to state, Roger was there to help us every step of the way. From helping us out with hotels to just giving us words of advice, he did his job incredibly well! I was nervous that I wasn’t going to know anyone at the state competition, but Roger was there throughout the entire thing. It was awesome knowing he was in the audience cheering e on. Once I won state, it was pretty amazing seeing the pride on his face. No one from our district had ever made it this far, so it was not only me who won, but Roger and VFW post as well.

Now winning state was one thing, but going on to nationals was entirely different! For the Voice of Democracy, the state VFW doesn’t pay for one parent to go on the trip like they do the Patriot’s Pen winners (6th, 7th and 8th graders). So I, freshmen Lydia Eason (only 3 months older than the Patriot’s Pen winner), am expected to jump on a plane (which I have never been on before), and fly all the way to Washington without one of my parents. Hopefully I would find my way. Now doesn’t that sound bizarre to you? I couldn’t imagine just hopping on a plane to D.C. without parental supervision; that’s just nuts! The trip, however, was going to be incredibly expensive. Well, Roger of course, wasn’t going to have any of that! He discussed things with the local and district VFW boards and managed to raise us $2,000 to pay for the trip! Well, my family and I were beyond overjoyed, $2,000 is a lot of money. And it was a blessing to me and my entire household. We can’t thank him enough for going above and beyond!

Now I didn’t win nationals. I placed 26th out of 53 contestants. But I know I served my community well anyway. Even after nationals, Roger has helped guide us through this fantastic experience. Knowing we have him on our side is great! This is basically just a huge thank you note that I’m writing to him. Without Roger, I never would’ve made it this far. I am so blessed to have been given this opportunity to write an essay regarding our country, and am even more blessed for being able to make it this far. Next time you see Roger Floyd out on the streets, be sure to give him a huge high-five for me, because he sure does deserve it. Thank you so much for everything you have done!

Also, a big shout out to the local and district chapters for helping support us during the Washington D.C. trip!

– The Eason Family (Lydia)

  

The El Dorado Springs R-2 Parents As Teachers Program would like to thank Missouri Care for co-hosting a “Community Baby Shower” to support mothers and their newborns in the El Dorado Springs R-2 School District.

The shower was held on Wednesday, May 2, in the El Dorado Springs Early Childhood Center. Mothers, fathers and grandparents had the opportunity to connect with important area resources, including maternal and early childhood health services, so their newborns will have the best possible start in life. There was no-cost educational resources, refreshments, raffles and gifts available for the attendees at the “Community Baby Shower.”

The Parents As Teachers program educators Lynn McClaughry and Jennifer Caldwell would like to recognize and thank all of the vendors, donors and community for their donations and support in helping to make the “Community Baby Shower” a huge success. Thanks again, you are all greatly appreciated. 

Nevada Regional Medical Center

Cedar County Memorial Hospital

Citizens Memorial Hospital Bolivar

Shopko

Cavener’s

Tessie Watkins

Vera Conwell

Candy Woody

Belles & Beaus Boutique

Woods Supermarket

Angie’s Cakes

Casey’s

Pizza  Hut

Community Bank

Oasis Day Spa

Courtney Bland

Doris Fortney

Crystal Whitaker

Terry Shepherd

Debbie Vickers

Fugate Motors

West Central Community Action Agency

Amanda Eason

Evan’s Drugs

Shanyn Peterson

Jackie Caldwell

Anna Kouba

Barb Wallen

Discount Groceries & More

McDonalds

Missouri Care

Birthright of Nevada

El Dorado Springs R-2 District Staff

Sac Osage Electric Co-Op

Bulldog Brew

Allison’s Quick Lube

Marsha Koch

Pam Spangler  CYSHCN Safe Crib Educator

Housh and Housh Dental

All Occasion Floral & Gifts

Sonic of El Dorado Springs

Nine Wonders Optimist

El Dorado Springs Head Start

Missouri First Steps

Alpha House of Bolivar

El Dorado Springs Head Start

Cedar County Library

Cedar County WIC -Thank You Jill

Missouri Care

Compass Health Dental

El Dorado Springs Community Diaper Pantry

CYSHCN & Missouri Safe Cribs

Mercy Clinic El Dorado Springs