[Rich Kressly]

Huge kudos to Ken and the Huskie Brigade for grouding us all in the core beliefs and vision that have spawned all of our efforts.

Andy is right (has he ever been wrong?), this is required reading.

Al, I feel the same way you do. For me, it is the education. I get much more than I give, work with and now know some incredible people around the country, and have made 20K+ friends in the process.

While every individual may feel differently about details, the bottom line is that it is our task to work at "transforming the culture." Regardless of what anyone else tells you, it is happening. I see evidence in my school, community, all over the country and now worldwide. It can be a messy process, there are bumps in the road and not as many people "get it" as we would like, but it is happening.

Two days ago I experienced a very bittersweet moment that solidifies this for me. I met with my boss and school principal who is leaving for a job in another school district next week. In ten years of teaching and four in business, he has been the finest boss I have ever had. He told me his greatest moment in education to date (he was previously a teacher and coach who won championships, and a vice principal) was being in Houston when 103 was announced as the Chairman's winner. Tears started to well up in his eyes. His plan is to bring FIRST teams to the two high schools that reside in his new district and he has already begun discussing it with the principal of the other high school there.

Talk about culture shift. Wow. And I know stories like this one abound around the country. Let's all keep our eyes on what Dean has said. Thanks again Huskies!