When we attended Chief Kanim Middle School’s Spring Concert, I learned that in the three short years that Haley Franzwa has been with CKMS, she has inspired a full two thirds of the student body to engage in the music program. We were treated to the fruits of her dedicated efforts this evening and watched in admiration and wonder as she confidently and enthusiastically drew out the best from each of her performers. She leads by example, and she does it all with a smile.

It is precisely this type of leadership and inspiration that transforms the quality of life our children can enjoy and expect. They learn the value of advance preparation, the ability to perform under pressure, the flexibility to improvise in the moment, the joy of participating in a group activity that is dependent upon each member doing their part. And more than the lessons they learn, it is how Miss Franzwa approaches the music, the students, the practice, the mistakes, the incremental improvements with such passion and joy that allows our children to get caught up in the wonder and love of music.

It must be an extraordinary person who can thrill in the progress of beginning and intermediate band students, who can consistently encourage and inspire. In contrast, my middle school band teacher just winced and frowned a lot; if we wanted inspiration and a love of music, we had to find it on our own.

So we are grateful to Miss Franzwa for the dedication and passion she brings to her work and for the growth and hope it produces in our Valley’s children. Thank you, Haley Franzwa. You are an inspiration to us all.

Kingston and Louise Wall

Snoqualmie