And the winners are ...

A while back I wrote that I agreed to judge literature entries for the Reflections program sponsored by the National Parent Teacher Association. Reading the entries was a pleasure, but judging the four winners was very difficult. All the entries were well written, very different from each other, and showed not only writing skill but creativity.

I picked the following students as winners, congratulate them, and hope they will continue to write, whether for publication or pleasure: Harrison B., Emily B., Gabrielle N., and Ariana Y.-L.

I also applaud Cabin John Middle School, a fine Montgomery County (MD) Public School.

Finally, HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!

Certification Good News and Elephant Fun

On November 10th I received the news from Paul Kirui, friend and Chief Safari Guide for Heritage Hotels, that Jackson Liaram was among the 12 (of 27) guides to pass silver level exams administered at Koiyaki Guiding School by the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (and only the third with this certification among 40 guides with Heritage Hotels). We feel very proud of Jackson. Paul also wrote that his pass is very encouraging to other guides at junior level or even those in the villages aspiring to be guides.

FYI: After obtaining the bronze (first) level, a guide has to work in the field for 3 years before attempting the exam for the silver level and then another 3 years before sitting for his or her gold level, which requires original research and an oral exam, much like a doctoral dissertation. Paul himself just received the gold level last week with a study on vultures, so--

CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH JACKSON AND PAUL!

And I hope that some of you put a trip to the Mara at the top of your holiday gifts! Along with a camera. 

My husband took an 8" x 10" copy of the above photo that he snapped at Kenya's elephant orphanage to a gift exchange of the local Camera Clique. The recipient was so pleased that he asked Carl to sign it. And another member wanted to purchase a copy. Don't think your monitor's color is off. The skin of elephants that roll and play in red dirt turns red! I think it's a great shot. But sad that poaching often leaves baby elephants without a mother.