Thank you Dr. Pamas & Holmes Middle School

 

 

21^st Century Community Learning Business Partnership Award

Presented to Arthur Lopez

In appreciation of your dedication to

Holmes MS Students and Nadar Por Vida

 

This past June, at the end of the school year, I was pleased to receive a very special plaque with the inscription described above.   A very distinguished and well respected educator, Dr. Pamas made this presentation on behalf of a very special school.  

 

Nadar Por Vida had its start with a handful of students led by a very energetic 6^th Grade Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Yolma Torres.  And from there with the enthusiastic support from the Principal of Holmes Middle School, Officer Sontheimer, the Student Resource Officer assigned to Holmes Middle School, Ms. Milan and several other Holmes Middle School Staff, our work began. 

 

Three years ago at the initiation of Dr. Pamas, and enthusiastic support and encouragement from Dr. Emory, Fairfax County Public Schools, Administrator,  Office of After-School Programs, we wrote a grant that once accepted, made Nadar Por Vida one of the 21^st Century Community Learning Center participants as an after-school program for Holmes Middle School. 

 

Through the years I have had the privilege of accepting several awards presented to me on behalf of Nadar Por Vida.  When the first award was received I was embarrassed to accept it.  I knew then as I know now that it is not my actions alone for which anything is accomplished.  With every swimsuit, every pair of goggles, we provide, every splash of water, every action I take on behalf of the program is done with the support, the time and the contribution of so many families.  I now am now more willing to accept awards in recognition of the Nadar Por Vida, even if they are in my name,  because I realize the recognition will help our program to go forward in completing our mission. 

 

I am grateful to Dr. Pamas and his students for this wonderful acknowledgement.  However, I must admit my sense of guilt.  As I looked out at the awesome student body I realized we had just touched the surface.  In so many ways I feel I have let Holmes down because we have not reached as many students as we possibly could. When I look to those faces in the student body I know I must do more to make sure these children can swim.    Dr. Pamas, thank you for the opportunity and the chance to affect more lives, a bubble at a time!!