Just My Opinion - by Mary Kilen
And We’re Off!
It’s fall break in Stanley Schools and Dale and I are making our trek to Vegas this week. We missed last fall’s trip because I broke my foot. Then in March, life just got in the way and we didn’t go over Dale’s birthday.
Depending on what time you’re reading this, I’m at my desk trying to get a few last minute things done, we are on our way to Minot to catch a flight, sitting in Denver waiting for our second flight, or making our way through our first stay at a new hotel.
Dale and I have been creatures of habit. After the first few years where we checked out several hotels, we made our ‘home’ at The Mirage. We were able to visit the Mirage one last time in March of 2023 after it had been taken over by the Hard Rock. It was a bittersweet stay as things were already changing. While there, we decided to check out some of the other hotels.
We’ve always talked about staying at The Mandalay Bay, so we got a full tour of the property. This trip, we’re going to give that a chance. It’s not always easy switching properties. If you’ve ever been in any of those Las Vegas Strip hotels, you know what I mean. They are huge and can be overwhelming. Here’s to hoping we’ve found our new favorite property. I’m not sure, because I like being in the middle of the strip, but there are plenty of ways to get around.
Meanwhile, this trip means that Dale and I are leaving on Wednesday and getting home really late on Saturday. I’ll be at the office on Sunday trying to catch up and prep for Monday. I’m leaving the office in the capable hands of Christina and Jada. They work hard to try to make that day back as painless as possible.
That being said, you know the drill. If you see me on Monday and I’m spinning in circles, know that it’s because I’m still trying to get caught up. I love to get away for a few days, but the work is always waiting for me when I get back. Because Christina and Jada are so good at what they do, they will make it as easy as possible for me.
Here’s hoping you have a great week. I was looking at my weather app on my phone on Monday and it looks like I’ll be taking some of the cooler weather with me. While Maddee might be looking forward to it as a glorious reprieve from the heat, I wouldn’t have minded it waiting a couple more days!
It Was An Inspiring Moment
If you attend Stanley home sporting events, you know that most of the time the National Anthem is played by the band, a student or a group of students, or sung by a student or group of students.
Last Tuesday, Dale and I went to the girls’ volleyball match against Nedrose. Dale loves it when we walk in and he hears the pep band playing.
As we rose for the National Anthem, young Amelia Jackson was chosen to play. Now, keep in mind, the gym was pretty full because it was Pink Out night and frankly we just have a lot of great fans that come to all of the home games. She started out strong and was doing a fantastic job before she lost her place.
In the moment of silence, I heard voices across the gym from where we were sitting start to sing the National Anthem, picking up where she had left off. With the encouragement of band director Steffen Dauwalder, she found her spot and finished.
She left in tears, but I wish she had known just how proud we all were of her. She found her spot and finished playing through the emotions. Meanwhile, I’m not sure who the person was that first started singing on the other side of the gym from where I sat. It did not take long before the crowd in the stands joined in to encourage this young woman to finish. I was inspired by it all. That is life in a small town. Things might not always go the way we planned, but we will pull together to make it right.
So, from this old band mom and Blue Jay fan, Amelia, you did a great job! Don’t let that one moment stop you from doing all the great things you are destined to accomplish!