Blog: I Am In Full Support of Dr. Collins

Please write a letter to the board - Dr. Collins is the best person for the job.

Good evening! My name is Vanessa Paniagua and I am writing this statement in
support of Dr. Debby Collins for Superintendent of Monrovia Unified School
District. It would be my pleasure to appear in person, however, I live in
Germany with my husband who is an active duty Army soldier and also, a previous
resident of Monrovia. I am writing this letter on behalf of myself, my brother,
who is also an active duty sailor currently deployed, and several classmates of
whom I know share my same feelings towards Dr. Collins.

I first met Dr. Collins as a second grade student at Plymouth Elementary School when she served as Principal. Having spent a few rigid years in the Arcadia Unified School District, I can wholeheartedly say that my true education began at Plymouth.

Monrovia is truly a charming place. It is full of inspiration, encouragement,
and community members that serve to motivate students in a way that is unlike
other districts. My very first and fondest memory of Dr. Collins is the contest
she created to encourage after school reading. The grand prize for most after
school reading minutes logged was lunch with her in her shiny, red, convertible.
I didn't win the contest...but I remember thinking then that it must be so cool
to have lunch with the school principal, how many educators offer such prizes?
Looking back now, I find it truly inspiring that this was so more than just a
contest not only for me, but for Dr. Collins as well.  She is passionate in
promoting education, motivating students, and in going the extra mile in ways
many other educators may strive for, but never reach. I am quite certain that
Dr. Collins remembers the contest (or at least faintly recalls such events at
Plymouth School), but I am also absolutely positive that she has no idea of the
impact it made on me as a student then, and now as an adult.

I, as well as many of the classmates that I went on to Santa Fe Middle School and Monrovia High School, with kept in touch with Dr. Collins through the years. I was a bit sad for the students of Plymouth School to learn about Dr. Collins having left,
but I knew that she was simply moving on to the next part of the community to
inspire. Dr. Collins is more than an asset to our community and school district,
she is part of the foundations of countless students educations. There is simply
no one in this community or in any other that could be more beneficial as
Superintendent of Monrovia Unified School District.

As I look forward to applying to medical school next fall, I am reminded of Dr. Collins and the impact she has made on my education and life. It is educators like her that make Monrovia the city that it is, and Monrovians the community members that they are. I urge you all to listen to the community members, students, and peers of Dr. Collins that can attest to her character and value to MUSD.

Sincerely,
Vanessa Renee Paniagua
MHS Class of 2006
2006 Monrovia
Royal Court
Princess