Phyllis M.

Almost twenty years ago, I was asked by the superintendent of schools to put together a proposal to the General Electric Foundation in which I would detail ways to improve my school, Valley High School. Over the years I had either written or helped write several successful proposals, and so I selected a group of teachers, and we went to work writing our proposal. There was a two-page outline from the foundation on what GE was looking for. Phyllis was our contact person at the foundation, and when we finally put together our ideas, we faxed the end product to her. She called and said that there was a conference in Ruidoso that she would like to attend, and could our committee go there as well, where we would refine the proposal. We picked Phyllis up from the Albuquerque airport and drove to Ruidoso for the conference. During the entire conference we all worked on the proposal and incorporated the necessary ideas to meet the GE goals, which were to double the number of our high school graduates who would be attending college over a four-year period.

Some weeks later we learned that we were to be granted a large sum of money and could start to implement our proposal. Phyllis agreed to be on our board, and she faithfully visited Valley High School for each quarterly board meeting. She had to travel all the way from her home in Fairfield, CT, to NM to attend these meetings. During the summer GE arranged for personnel from each grantee school to attend a conference to share ideas and to learn from visiting scholars on excellent school practices. Over the years of the project, the school personnel became friends, especially appreciating the wonderful support we received from Phyllis. She listened to our concerns when things went sour and listened and heaped praise when things went well. She became a friend.

After I retired, Phyllis asked HW2 and me if we would help her in her work, and perhaps we could visit school and help new schools with their proposals. For some two years we continued to work, this time directly for the foundation. In that process we were able to see schools improve, and others begin the process, marveling at the patience of and farsightedness of Phyllis and the foundation staff. She was working with many high schools throughout the country and doing other work as well on scholarships, doing it all very well. What a joy it was for us to be able to help and perhaps take some of the travel burden off her!
We still keep in touch, talking or emailing frequently, and when possible we visit, too. After the death of her first husband, Phyllis found a soul mate in Pat, and we were honored to be with them, friends, and family when they were married. I do not think that most proposal writers are privileged to develop such a friendship very often. Phyllis is a mover and shaker in the corporate world, and in her special way has made a significant impact on secondary education. What a wonderful legacy for all, but, for us, the best part was the friendship!