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11 years ago we discovered our son Davis was deaf in his right ear. He was painfully shy and lacked confidence in school and with his peers because he couldn't often understand what was said around him, and unfortunately was teased for this. In first grade, some adults assumed he was less intelligent, but Mrs. Forsyth, who was starting a fledgling orchestra at Rocky Mountain Elementary, invited him to join. He started to learn the cello, which places the fingerboard and sound on his left side where he can hear best. Over the next 6 years, she encouraged and praised him and many other students every practice, twice a week after school. On top of her regular teaching schedule, she volunteered countless time, love, and her own resources to build a wonderful music program that allowed hundreds of students to discover the joy of music. Today, our son is a confident high school honors student with many friends and accomplishments. He plays the cello beautifully and performs with his orchestra frequently. We are forever grateful to Annette Forsyth for introducing music because it has opened so many doors that may have never opened for him overcoming his disability. It gives him a place of solace, joy, and strength as he develops his talents. Please consider Mrs. Forsyth to be recognized as a truly outstanding teacher who continues to go above and beyond what is expected. For her, teaching is a calling, not just a job.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Lundley
