KEE, Rock Star

March 24, 2011,

Dear Karlin,

You are a Rock Star. Let's just go over a few of the things you have achieved and accomplished in the past year...

* When your horse stumbled in the show, and you almost went off over his neck, you calmly took a breath, pushed yourself up, and smiled at the judges. You showed poise that I had not seen in you before. And this was right after the same horse took a big poop while at the trot, and you made him keep moving.

* You were the first girl at the school of 1,100 students to score the highest mark on your writing. The 4th grade teachers use your writing samples as examples to the other students.

* You were forced to participate in the Tropicana Speech contest. Not only did you compete, but you placed in your grade and went on the the school-wide competition. You stood on the stage in front of a podium, and spoke - on microphone - to an intimidating panel of 10 judges, about 75 parents, and the entire 4th grade. You were spectacular. You didn't move on to the next level, but watching you overcome what you initially feared, and then seeing you not just survive but thrive at it, was just unbelievable.

* At the last minute, the School Superintendent decided that 4th graders from Deer Park needed to participate in the science fair that was happening 4 weeks later. Not only did the Principal and Assistant Principal seek you out, but they asked you personally to participate as an individual exhibitor. They knew you would put together a good product, and you made it all the way to the district competition.

* You were asked by the school music teacher to audition for his "Elite Chorus." At first you said no, because you didn't want to do solos. Then you reconsidered, saying "Well, I did Tropicana Speech, I can do this." You auditioned, and made it.

* Your audition went so well that you were actually one of 4 students from your school selected to be in All-County Chorus. You will be singing with 450 kids from all over the county.

* This week, you were selected as part of a trio to sing The National Anthem at the school basketball game.

* You continue to make excellent grades, read 8 grades above level, juggle Girl Scouts, Horseback Riding, and three chorus programs. Amazing.

I was telling a friend today about all of your accomplishments and she said "Wow - she's so well-rounded."

I am amazed and humbled by the smart, poised, and confident young woman you are growing up to be.

Rage on, rock star!