Dear Mrs. Bolton,

Each time I return to this remarkable city, I am reminded of you - and how much you gave me. As your student, I learned to celebrate life each day, to embrace and love even the most wretched of my fellow humans, and to see God in every detail, every object in nature.

As I have grown as an artist and teacher, I have remembered that an artist is the eternal vagabond -always the seeker, and that the student more often teaches the teacher. These lessons I learned from you.

Last year, I was chosen as the Best Director at the National Theatre Festival, and you were in my thoughts. I hope you would be proud, but also was reminded that you would more likely insist that my best work lies before me on the horizon. I am now directing and also teaching. I am working in the International Theatre Exchanges, encouraging countries to find healing and common ground in art. I wanted you to know this, and to know that any small thing I may contribute was nurtured and encouraged by you those many years ago at Moultrie.

Words for all of their power can fail to express such feelings as gratitude and deep respect. I only hope I can reflect your wisdom, love and artistic integrity in my own students.

With Best Regards -
(Name Withheld)