At the start of a new year as principal of Kennebunk High School, I asked my staff to write on an index card the name and address of a living person who had a special influence on them -- such as a parent, teacher, or coach.

I filed these index cards away, to use later for a special purpose. Three months later, after my staff had forgotten about the index cards, I wrote a letter to each person that my staff had written down, as a simple holiday gift.

The letters went like this:

        Dear Pamela,

         This letter of appreciation is being sent to you because Amanda Figel mentioned you as a person who has had a positive influence on her    life. Amanda works at Kennebunk High School and makes a similar contribution to a number of students here daily. As a way of thanking her for making a difference, I thank you for the role you have played in her development. May your holidays be filled with love, laughter, and fulfillment.

         Sincerely,

Nelson Beaudoin

The results of this simple gesture were astounding. My staff had long forgotten the index cards that they had filled out in August, so when they started receiving telephone calls, e-mails, and cards of praise and thanks from their mentors for having mentioned them in such a positive way, they were incredibly surprised and delighted.

More than a year after the letters were mailed, I continued to receive comments from staff and letter recipients expressing how touched they were by the letters.

This letter came from Bob Erwert, the former math teacher of one of my best math teachers.

        Mr. Beaudoin,

        Your letter of December 5th was a total and pleasant surprise. Your school and staff have been blessed to have had Donald on the front lines. I genuinely had fun teaching my students and I am very proud of the results!

        Best to you both in 2008.

        Bob Erwert

This one came from the best friend of one of my 11^th grade social studies teachers—

        Dear Mr. Beaudoin,

        Thank you for your recent letter. I am very pleased that you are appreciative of Andrew’s positive influence on the lives of his students. As he winds down a distinguished career in teaching, he will be sorely missed and long remembered by all those who were fortunate enough to have been touched by him. For over 40 years, he has been a treasure in my life.

        Sincerely,

        Judy Sorenson

        And I received many letters like this, from a proud parent of one of my teachers, who had named her mother as a person who had influenced her life.

Dear Nelson Beaudoin,

        I was happy to receive your letter about my daughter Amanda. I have often wondered if anyone realized and appreciated all the time and effort she puts into her work. Every good parent strives to have a positive influence on their child, but then seeing them being acknowledged and appreciated is the real reward. I think Kennebunk High is fortunate to have Amanda on staff and I thank you so much for your letter. My very best wishes to you and your family.

Sincerely,

Pamela Figel

In addition to cards and letters, I had many positive conversations with staff members and even principals from other schools once the letters of appreciation flooded in.

A principal from a neighboring school told me that she had heard of the impact the letters were having and wanted to implement the idea the following year. One of my teachers told me that her mentor was ill and living out his remaining days in a nursing home. When this 93-year-old retired teacher and coach received his letter, he broke into tears of joy.

That heartwarming story alone made the entire project worthwhile. It made me realize that the cards were really three gifts in one: it honored the person receiving the card, it valued the work of the person on my staff whom the card acknowledged and, it honored the teaching profession.