Appreciating and Being Appreciated

The Dickinson Catholic Schools Educational Foundation and Mardi Gras Committee (two entities--but wouldn't that be one humdinger of a business title?!) hosted an "Appreciation Social" this evening for teachers, staff, and school board members. Susan's dad came over to shuttle the girls to and fro dance rehearsals, feed them supper, and babysit while we were gone for the evening. (The girls unabashedly scooted us out the door as soon as Grandpa walked in the house.) That enabled us to be at the social (held at the school where Susan teaches) for grilled hamburgers, coleslaw, baked beans, punch, coffee, and ice cream, all courtesy the local company who owns the McDonald's in Dickinson (and prepared in part by Susan's uncle, who manages the McDonald's and sent home some ice cream cups for the girls!).

For "entertainment" (ahem), two high schoolers performed their comedic duo for competitive speech. Another high schooler first performed his humorous speech and then sang a solo, accompanied by the high school choir director. There were speeches of gratitude by the president of the Educational Foundation, the chair of the Mardi Gras Committee, and the superintendent of the Catholic schools (who accepted from the Mardi Gras Committee a check for $100,000!). Also, long-serving staff members received awards of recognition for their commitment (and/or longevity).

Since we had a babysitter for the night, afterward we attended Dickinson State University's theatre production of The Miss Firecracker Contest by Beth Henley. I didn't know the play before we saw it, and even now I wouldn't say it's a great play. However, after an uneven Act I, the actors totally won me over during Act II. The play features quite the collection of quirky characters, each with his/her own flaws but with plenty of reasons for us to like him/her. I even teared up a few times as the actors brought out the poignancy in a particular line or a scene. I especially liked the work done by Heather Gall. She played a naïve character with simplicity, avoiding what could easily have devolved into mocking her character's mental ability and instead going for sincerity and a consistent mix of social hesitance and loyalty to those she knows.

I appreciated the fine work done in the play (including how the technical crew used the limited space of the laboratory theater to create a fun, flexible, and functional set); I appreciated Roger's babysitting; and I appreciated that Susan's school appreciates the work that she and her colleagues do every day.