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Over a year ago I had the privilege of speaking with a very wise woman by the name of Laurel Vlock. One of our bus project’s ‘Artist in Riding,” referred me to Ms. Vlock because of her talents as a film producer and her interest in unique social projects. (At the time we were looking for a producer to create a mini-documentary about the bus project’s origin and evolution.) I can vividly remember my first conversation with Laurel. It was an August evening in 1999 that I first called her. We spent over an hour on the telephone talking about the diversity bus project. Laurel was consumed with a sincere interest in all that the project represented. She shared a mutual understanding of my expectations and visions. She kindly agreed to produce a video for us at a minimal cost. (Hosting schools have received a copy of this video.) In preparation for this film, Laurel came to our middle school and spent an entire day interviewing and filming students and staff members. Her enthusiasm for the bus project and the adolescents involved was admirable. Her passion for representing projects of interest to her (especially this one) was genuine. It wasn’t until a much later date that I learned of Laurel’s many outstanding professional accomplishments. She invested numerous hours of time and energy to many important causes. She was indeed, a very humble and caring person. We are honored to have had Laurel’s personal and professional commitment to our vehicle of expression. In
July of 2000, while teaching at a conference, I received a phone call from my
husband informing me of Laurel’s sudden and tragic death in an automobile
accident. Upon hearing the news I felt a great void and emptiness. I felt as if
I, and anyone who had known Laurel, had lost a valuable treasure. Laurel was
indeed a gifted person . You didn’t have to know Laurel for a long time to
have known her well. She had a contagious, optimistic spirit. It is said that
‘Energy begets energy.’ I feel graced for having known Laurel Vlock. The
brevity of her life lives on in the hearts of her family, friends and work.
Laurel has impacted many peoples’ lives in
immeasurable ways. In particular
she taught me to follow my visions,
no matter how grand in nature. I
wanted to provide a gift that would honor the memory of Laurel Vlock. In
recognizing Laurel’s great belief
in this project we would like to dedicate our continued bus journey to her …. So,
here’s to you, Laurel Vlock…Once around the block for a truly admired and
respected woman. |
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This entire Web site is being transitioned to another. If you have found this page useful and would like it to continue to be available, please contact the mcgeewebmaster. Thank you. mcgeewebmaster at berlinschools.org899 Norton Road Berlin CT 06037 (860-828-0323) Last update : 09/04/01 Pages created : 09/01/1999 http://mcgee.berlinschools.org/ |
