Salute: Tess Botkin

Tess Botkin has broken down barriers and established positive relationships with our community members but nothing compares to the relationships she has developed with our youth. Last week Tess went out of town for a conference and her 'babies' (as she fondly calls them) came in looking for her every single day walking away with frowns and pouts when I explained to them that she would not be back until Saturday. Some even asked, "Well can we call and talk to her?" Tess takes the time to sit and ask each child how their day was, what did they do in school, if they are hungry, and if they have homework. This has created a bond with the children and they rush in eager to show off their school work or share their achievements with Tess. While she learned a lot of valuable information at the conference, we are glad she is back and I suspect her 'babies' are since all of them just rushed in and gave her a hug!