Connections

Photo by Chris Hall

Kentucky bus driver Tim Southern is a popular guy. In his rural hometown of Louisa, he runs a tutoring program for his students during their long commute to and from school, and the kids love him for it. When NEA Today's John O'Neil went on the road with Southern to tell his story ("Ride and Read," October), the article he wrote became one of the most popular items we ran this year. And now, we found out that Washington NEA member Jean Scribner was so moved by Southern's story that she contacted him and ended up sending a supply of books.

Reports like this, of members bonding with colleagues thousands of miles away through NEA Today, have helped make this a fun first year for the newly formatted magazine. We're developing more ways for you to connect with other NEA members.

Before closing this publishing year, some gold stars are due. For one, to the magazine staff, who've braved everything from motion sickness to torn Achilles tendons to Hurricane Isabel to pull together this magazine. Under the leadership of Managing Editor Marilyn Milloy, staff members Michelle Chovan, Sabrina Holcomb, Alain Jehlen, Kristen Loschert, John O'Neil, and Dave Winans have brought home the tales that have brought the mag to life. And kudos to Bill Fischer and the production team of Marsha Blackburn, Christian Lopez, and Alice Trued, who get us to and on the presses.

And gold stars to you for opening up and sharing your stories, the foundation on which all of this is built. As you'll see with the cover story, "50 Years of Progress—and Struggle," your experiences are compelling, your dedication and hope incomparable. We look forward to connecting to you, in print and on the Web, all the more next year.

Editor-in-Chief Leona Hiraoka