At this time of the year, when candidates are running for the school board, and criticism of our district abounds, we'd like to take a moment to offer some thanks to the many in the Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District who've been so instrumental in helping our daughter reach her potential.

We say "thank you" to all the members of the staff, but particularly the following: Dr. Scott and Mr. Imperiale for their leadership; Mr. Klinger, Mr. Andriccio, Ms. Reilly, Ms. Scudieri, Ms. Darmento for their encouragement, concern and expertise; Mr. Brady, for the opportunity and the HS office secretaries for their ceaseless assistance.

Most of all, we congratulate our daughter, Lauren, for earning the right to make the valedictory address at graduation for the class of '99. No one worked harder, or showed more of a sense of responsibility or gave of herself more freely, or could have made her parents more proud of her.

Whether in the classroom, or in a small part on stage, or editing for the yearbook, or helping the handicapped, or backing up a base¬you always give 100 percent, which is all one can ask of another human being. And you go about your various tasks without ego, without asking for or expecting thanks or praise, doing what needs to be done selflessly.

You are the epitome of what it means to be a scholar-athlete, daughter, friend¬we praise you for what you've achieved and thank you for all the love and pleasure you have given us and all that you will give us in the future.

With gratitude and love,

Diane Fisher

Norm Fisher