• To Carolyn (Geometry), and Goldie and Kristin (Algebra II), the only students to ace a final exam for me, way to go, ladies! I've no doubt of your continued success.

• To Adam and Erin, no other brother/sister duo has worked harder for me. Your trust, confidence, and faith in me through it all was (and is) very important to me.

• To Jana, yours was the most heart-breaking B+ ever earned in any of my classrooms. My hope is that you never give up in life.

• To Lindsay, no other student has worked harder for me than you did. I am so proud of you.

• To Mandy, no other student has shown me more guts nor succeeded under such adverse conditions. I know you have it within you to go as far in life as you wish.

• To Rachel, no other student has been more fun. Keep your sense of humor and continue to realize what all is too serious and not really that important.

• To Mike, always question authority (it keeps them awake), and don't ever quit being a smart-ass. I can't say enough how much I enjoyed it.

• To Brian, I have just one thing to say to you, and it's a number. You know which one....

• To Jeremy, no other student has been more considerate. I can't thank you enough for your kind words (to me and to others about me). To you and to Chris, Kyle, Drew, Josh, and the rest of the posse helping me move (including Curt, there in spirit), I am greatly in your debt.

• To the quiet leaders in my classes, those overloaded in talent yet humble enough to let deeds speak instead of boasts, don't think it went unnoticed outside of your report cards. Josh, Hannah, John, Noel, Ben, Justin, Amanda, Matt, Heather, Paul, Broc, Nou and Nhia, Peter, Krista, Libby, Ryan, Anna and Dana, Mike, Beth, Katherine... you are such fine young adults already... it will be amazing to see what all you will accomplish when you exit your teens. I would be remiss in excluding from this group the two who showed more mathematical insight than any student I've had the pleasure of teaching... Shanda and Andrea.

• Ashley, I wrote you this once, but I'll say it to you again: When my daughter grows up, I hope she'll be like you.

• To Sarah, of course you are not a bitch. (Private joke.) I've known no other student more likely to succeed at anything she ever tries. Years from now I'll read your name in a newspaper, point it out to someone, and say, "Once upon a time, she was a student of mine!"

Continue...