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Day SPARKLE article unleashed the magic

Anne L. Masterson Norwich

Publication: The Day

Published 05/15/2012 12:00 AM

Updated 05/14/2012 05:55 PM

I would like to thank The Day and especially Staff Writer Claire Bessette for their excellent article, "Hoping to sparkle once more," (May 5), on the upcoming SPARKLE reunion.
Norwich should be proud of itself for being at the vanguard of gifted and talented programs. At the time, SPARKLE was one of the first in the state. While my father was a supporter of it, he continued to do so long after I was at NFA and would no longer benefit. He wanted all the children of Norwich to have it available. Unfortunately, other supporters were no longer on the Board of Education and funding was lost.
My idea to contact Dr. Kaufmann was something I thought about for a while. I didn't think she would remember me. It was a remarkable moment when we realized SPARKLE was a magical time for both of us, and thanks to The Day, we have been able to spread that to others, our group almost doubling in size since the article ran.
So, if anyone reading this has ever thought about reaching out to someone from their past, please take this lesson and do it. You'll never know how wonderful the outcome may be.