When someone says to you, “Thank you”, the general response is, “You’re welcome”. But many times what you really want to say is “Thank YOU!”

Dec. 16 was my final official School Board meeting, preceded by an absolutely wonderful open house hosted by the District to recognize my service on the board. So many former colleagues, friends, and staff gathered to wish me well in “retirement” and it became an amazing heartwarming blessing for my soul. Thank YOU, dear friends and family for your kind cards, words and flowers!

Never did I expect to stay on School Board for seven terms – seven times being empowered by voters – to bring my heart and service to public education for the Enumclaw School District. But it indeed became my purpose when following what I thought was my chosen career did not sync well with our family dynamics. Saying yes to public service at first merely fulfilled a need to be purpose-full in my life, but quickly became a driving passion, locally and on a state level. I learned and gained far more than I gave. Thank YOU, dear staff across the district for teaching me to listen and learn!

To have been bestowed the honor of having the School Board Meeting Room named after me by our District and School Board was quite literally the surprise of my life and was deeply humbling. Thank YOU, Board Members and District Administration for such an honor!

While some dreams are no longer possible, I hold fast to other dreams for the district and our students. Gratefully, and with good health, I will continue to pour my energies into seeing those to fruition. To everyone, I want to say, you are most welcome! It has been a privilege, and thank YOU, dear community for having faith in me!

With deep appreciation,

Nancy Merrill

Enumclaw