Dear Absolutely Everyone:

Today, believe it or not, begins my third year as your chancellor and I did not want this day to go by without thanking everyone who is part of the North Carolina School of the Arts family for the support, the passion, the commitment, the challenges and the fun of it all. I remember when I was asked why I would take on this job, I said, "It is the irresistible attraction of the Good" and I still believe that to be true.

The auguries look pretty remarkable for year three. Both last evening AND Sunday at sunset, a rainbow appeared in the sky and landed square on the campus. We are still searching for the pot of gold, but at least we know that to find it we must simply dig into the hearts and spirit of the school itself and all who inhabit and nourish it. There we will always find the true gold of harnessing, encouraging and challenging the creativity of our young people.

Betty took the enclosed photo of Pickles, the rainbow, the school and a very grateful chancellor.

Sincerely,
John

P.S. A special welcome to Dean Ethan Stiefel, whose first official day as Dean of the School of Dance has already begun. These are exciting times.