
Dear CVS,
About a month ago I was at your location on North Alafaya Trail in Orlando, Florida. I was going there to look for some specific over-the-counter medication for my mother that had just gotten out of serious surgery. The medication was something that the nurse had prescribed, but I did not recognize the name. Looking for some simple assistance, I went over to the pharmacy to ask the pharmacist. When she saw me, she immediately became very busy. I tried multiple times to get her attention, bur she continued to ignore me. Finally, when she could no longer keep herself busy, she acknowledged me standing there. I asked her where and what something was, and she dismissively gestured towards her right side. Not wanting to annoy her any more, I tried again to find it on my own. When I was again unable to find it, I asked her what the prescription was. She very angrily said “It’s a diuretic.” I became upset at this point, not only because of the fact that she was absolutely no help at all, but that she had pointed out the obvious. That was what i was there looking for, and she already knew that. After 45 minutes of independent searching, I discovered that what I was looking for was not the name or brand of something, but rather the main ingredient. I would have thought that a pharmacist would have known that. Either she was not properly trained, and is incompetent to do her job, or she was too put out to simply say “It’s the main ingredient.” I am informing you of this because of my extremely unpleasant experience at your CVS and to let you know that I will no longer be a customer at your location. I hope this problem can be resolved.
Sincerely,
Lauren C.

Ms. K.,
I just wanted to thank you for all of the cool stuff you taught me. I’m surprised how much I’ve used my Greek mythology knowledge in my day-to-day life. For example, my Algebra II teacher is from Cyprus, so instead of praying to God to do well on her tests, I pray to Zeus and Apollo so that they may grant me with the powers of cunning. Plus, in debate, whenever someone successfully refutes a statement, we all say, “You just got Atticused!” in honor of To Kill a Mockingbird. And finally, I really appreciate all of the complex vocabulary we learned, words like “complex” and “vocabulary.” Just kidding. In all seriousness, you really were a great English teacher. Haha, sometimes I imagine you sitting out on your porch, deeply immersed in War and Peace…
Anyway, thank you for putting up with my freshman immaturity.
You’re the best,
Paul B.

Dear Outback Steakhouse Manager,
I recently visited your restaurant with family and friends and had a great experience. I thoroughly enjoyed this visit and it even furthered why I love Outback. Your restaurant is always very lively and your staff is courteous and very nice! When I had my experience at you restaurant, I ordered the Outback Special and it was delicious! Once again, I would like to say how great of a visit I had. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Erik M.
Kaitlyn wrote to the concept of math, clearly illustrating her irritation at a subject that is quite complicated. I have to say, I agree with her…English is the way to go :)
Dear Math,
Why do you have to be so complicated? I have delightful grades in all my other classes, glittering A’s and B’s, but in your subject area I’ll be lucky to scrape by with a C at the end of the year! I remember when you were much simpler, back when it was just addition and subtraction. I had no problems with that. But now I’m in high school, and on top of that, my parents insist that I take advanced classes in all of my subjects. This isn’t really a problem except for with you and your numerical conundrums! I hope you know that whatever job I take, it will be as far away from your enigmatic equations as possible! -Kaitlyn

Dear ATA,
My name is Kaylie C. and I have been involved with the American Taekwondo Association for 12 years. I am currently a 3rd degree black belt, have competed nationally and performed with the victory demo team. I am also a part-time instructor and employee at Victory Martial Arts. After this summer, I will enroll in my junior year at Hagerty High School and wanted to inquire about your scholarship programs and opportunities. I am a straight-A student, member of the National Honor Society, a varsity soccer player, and extremely dedicated to my martial arts and the improvement of my students. I would really appreciate if you could send me some information on the potential H. U. Lee Scholarships so I can consider my options for the future.
Thank you,
Kaylie C.

Dear Ms. Reed,
I’m am righting a letter too you. Their are none alterior motives for this letter. I’m am simple righting you, my teacher, an letter that happening to be over ten sentences. Butt, if it is mist convienient to send in a class project, so be it.
How our you? How is you’re year bin? I hopes your dealing well with all you’re fresh-mans, who are far less clever than me is. Tell them their be no “necking” ‘cause I’d heard about that. lol. JK. lol. Public school have good education. Anyways, enjoy this drawing that I have drawed for you.
Sicerelely,
Justin H.

Mr. Momary,
My name is Samantha C. and I am currently a sophomore at Hagerty. When I first came to Hagerty as a scared freshman, the introduction of Blackboard to my life was one of the few changes that I grew to love. I relied on access to my computer to consistently check Blackboard for updates, assignments, and homework. However, once I joined freshman volleyball, varsity soccer, and various clubs, it became harder for me to check Blackboard every night. Then, in my sophomore year, my schedule in and out of school intensified, leaving me very little spare time to get on my home computer. Recently, I got a new Android cell phone and downloaded a Mobile Blackboard application. Unfortunately, our school does not have access to this fantastic portable service. I went online to find out more about the process and prices, and from what I read, this service is well worth the cost. My personal story of how Mobile Blackboard can change my life for the better is one of hundreds. I can prove that statement with a petition if that is what you desire. Thank you for your time and I hope you take my request into consideration.
Sincerely,
Samantha C.

Dear Chick-fil-a,
First thing’s first, I absolutely love your food. Actually, it’s more like an obsession. Which is part of my problem. I go to Chick-fil-a three times a week, but never on a Sunday. As it happens, every Sunday I find myself craving your delicious, juicy chicken sandwich and crispy, mouth-watering waffle fries! It’s quite a dilemma since you are closed on Sundays. Please take my complaint in to consideration. You’ll make millions of people, including me, happy if you open Sundays!
Thank you,
Cindy G.
P.S. I know you guys are religious, but come on! CHANGE IS GOOD!

Sorry for the lack of posts this last week! As my students know, I get a little crazy during Advanced Placement testing, and I haven’t had a spare second to update the blog. Because of this, some days will feature two posts. Some incredible letters have been turned in lately and I am excited to share them with you! :)

Dear Mrs. Johnson,
I personally would like to thank you for all that you’ve done for me ever since I stepped foot on this campus for the first time. The first visit I had with you was so encouraging, talking about school as well as my personal life. It always makes me feel safe when I can talk to someone about not just school, but other things going on in my life. Eventually when I go to Upper House and have Dr. Davila as my counselor, I will never stop visiting. By the way, I thought that was pretty cool how I relate to your husband and also I thought about how school isn’t everything. The true trick is to find a career I love. When I go off to college and find a career, don’t worry, because I will never forget about my counselor Mrs. Johnson who is one of the most loving and encouraging people I will ever meet. THANK YOU so much.
Sincerely,
Daniel W.

Shannon wrote to Invisible Children, Inc. a non-profit organization started by film makers who save children in Africa from mass genocide. The work they do is truly remarkable and I thank Shannon for introducing me to their efforts. For more information on this organization or to make a contribution, please visit www.invisiblechildren.com.
Dear, Invisible Children.
What you are doing for children in Africa is honestly one of the most amazing things I’ve ever heard of. Not only are you saving lives, but you are raising awareness of how much we are unaware. Americans tend to know nothing of the daily struggles people from less prosperous countries experience. Your organization however, brings much needed attention to these people who can barely, if at all, provide even the most basic needs of survival for themselves and their families. I want you to know that you’re not only saving hearts in Africa, but you’re saving hearts here too. Thank you for everything you’ve done, and thank you for everything you will do in the future. You’ve given hope.
Shannon

Mom!
My mainstay, manufacturing my manifestation, my maternal manipulator, my mental methoxyflurane, my methodical metaphysical mentor, my Marauder’s Map maker, my momentous moderator, my master Mt. Matterhorn, my macaroni Machiavelli, my modest mistress*:
Merry Mother’s Memoration!
*Mistress, n. 1. A woman who has authority, ownership, or power, esp. the female head of a household.
*****Dear Mom,
I know I haven’t written you a letter for mother’s day since I was little, but this year I am. Unfortunately, there are no diamonds or expensive jewelry attached. I am confident though that this means more than some silly diamond necklace. Anyway, I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me over the years. Without you, I don’t know where I would be. As much as I would love to include 16 years worth of appreciation, I just can’t write that much, so I will keep it simple. Even though on the outside I may seem ungrateful, on the inside I really do appreciate everything you do. I mean without you, the entire house would fall apart and I would probably starve. You are the one thing standing between us and utter chaos. Dad and I will always be thankful for this. Just remember, if you ever think I’m not appreciative of what you do, I really am, I just may not show it. I may not be your cute little baby anymore, but I will always be your son!
Love,
Your grateful son Kevin
*****Dear Mom,
I am writing this letter to surprise you on mother’s day. Because of your incredible parenting skillz I am the best looking and coolest kid I know. You have taught me the qualities needed to be a successful young man. I am also very grateful to all of the hours you have dedicated to driving and watching me play lacrosse. Lacrosse has helped me in many different ways, whether it is picking up sweet hot babes or possibly getting in to college, because we both know my grades won’t get me there. So thank you Mom for being a wonderful and caring mom.
Love, Andrew

To the Mom who will eat anything if it has peanut butter in it.
To the Mom who wakes up one service early any Sunday, just to take us to an extra Bible study, even though she’s tired and doesn’t always want to do it.
To the Mom who likes to come up with her own Minute to Win it games while she’s doing laundry, and proceeds to play them with us for the next hour.
To the Mom can spend an hour preaching about the wonderfulness of brussel sprouts and how “they’re like a prayer!”
To the Mom who put up with dance for ten years, and the frustrating costumes, recital makeup, competitions, hairdos, and crazy fees that it brought with it.
To the Mom who goes “on a roll” and laughs at her own jokes for an entire afternoon, although the rest of us don’t always get the joke.
To the Mom who thinks it’s a “treat” for us to pick out our own topping to kale, because she’s decided our Friday night will be a cleaning night and kale might make it all better…not exactly true. (Not a funny joke, Mom! But the edamame helped.
To the Mom who lets me borrow her jewelry, even when she says it’s like having a college roommate again.
To the Mom who freaks out and cranks up the volume every time “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not” comes on the radio.
To the Mom who tapes every Charlie Brown holiday special, because she gets a kick out of Snoopy.
To the Mom who probably started crying five seconds (maybe less) into this card.
To the Mom who feeds me, clothes me and loves me, and who I love a lot!
I love you Mom; I hope you have a great Mother’s Day!
Love, Elaina

Dear SpongeBob,
Thank you for entertaining me on countless rainy days for the past 16 years. I’ve eaten countless bags of potato chips watching you and your friends in Bikini Bottom, and I’m your biggest fan. If I could move to any underwater-fantasy world, I’d move to your city. If only I could! I hope you continue filming yourself, because I’ll keep watching as long as you do.
Your biggest fan,
Eric