To the editor:

Reflecting on the events of 2020, I wanted to express gratitude to the youth and staff of the Fort Dodge Community School District and community for the kindness expressed to our family when COVID-19 hit our household.

My husband, a teacher at Fort Dodge Middle School, was recovering from surgery, when he and my son came down with covid-19. Our daughter had just been selected for the homecoming court, but would have to quarantine and miss the festivities. This was a worrisome and heartbreaking time for us, but our family was uplifted and given the gift of joy by our community.

Over the next two weeks, we received letters of encouragement, phone calls to check on us, care packages, meals and offers to run errands from friends, family, and colleagues. We are both teachers and were blessed to have our principals and colleagues help out with job responsibilities as well during that time. Perhaps what touched our hearts the most were the actions of the youth. The night before the homecoming game, the football team paraded by our house led by teacher, Wendy Daniel-Wiseman, honking and waving to Victoria to give her a parade, since she would not be able to be in the parade.

The next day, following the homecoming parade, a portion of the marching band, the homecoming court, and Mr. Derek Haugland came to our house to announce Victoria just as she would have been at the coronation ceremony in our front yard, as staff from Riverside Early Learning Center where I teach, paraded by in their cars honking and cheering her on. In a day and age where we hear so much negativity, I am reminded that there is still good in the world. As I look at the young people, the FDCSD staff, the friends and family of our community, I am filled with hope. Here’s to 2021 and all the acts of kindness and compassion yet to come.

Andrea Pavik

Fort Dodge