When times are tough, it is important to count your blessings and appreciate all that you do have.

San Juan Island is a community full of creative, caring hard-working people and at the center of all that is our schools and all the dedicated teachers and staff that make our schools some of the best in the state.

May 3-9 is National Teacher Appreciation Week and we should all take time to acknowledge all the hard work they do. Our teachers not only teach all the standards, they find time to squeeze in all the other activities that make education fun and exciting.

I am lucky that I had a lot of caring people in my life, but I will always have a special place in my heart for the teachers that made learning fun, challenged me — that not only taught me the basics, but showed me how to use the knowledge and why it is important. They made learning part of my life. Our teachers do that everyday and our students can leave our island ready to take on the world.

So, please take time this week to show you care. Send in those flowers, apples and thank you cards, drop off that salad or dessert at the luncheon they all look so forward to. Remind your children to thank them as well. They really deserve it!

Deborah Nolan
PTSA president
Friday Harbor High School