Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca

Dear Gary,

You are one special person. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your kindness and your willingness to go all in on causes you hold near and dear to your heart. Your passion combined with your relentless pursuit to bring people together to remove barriers and get it done for our kids and community speak volumes to your character and heart. When you see a need, you respond. You saw the importance of building homes in community of need and then ensuring kids had all the wraparound supports at in place while at school to thrive. As a community member, you championed an effort at Sherman ES and at other schools and at the district in a way that will leave a legacy of impact. Your heart, brilliance in pulling people together and your ability to do so with urgency is admirable. I am lucky to have seen your magic first hand and have learned so many things from you in these past several years.

Gary, you believed in me and in my leadership because our values aligned. You have become such a source of strength and light for me in my decision-making and my ability to lead real, impact. You stood with me time and time again as a mentor, advisor, friend, and, well- if ya didn’t know, I’m now telling ya- a father figure. I am so grateful for you, your spirit and your heart. Thank you for pouring goodness into me and the countless others you believe in that work together to build a stronger community.

With love and gratitude, always.

Holly María Flynn Vilaseca