Letter from a Parent.

In a letter dated June 6, 2007, one Grosse Pointe parent wrote:

Our son attended The Grosse Pointe Academy, kindergarten thru 8^th grade. At a very early age, he showed great prowess in music.

During these early years, as we contemplated where he might benefit most from high school, only one name kept re-occurring; that of Ellen Bowen. We repeatedly kept hearing the name Ellen Bowen, the fabulous music teacher at South. I prayed that she would not retire before our son got to South. Yes, Ellen Bowen was, and is, most definitely, the primary reason for our having chosen Grosse Pointe South High School.

Since he arrived three years ago, as a Freshman, we have, not once, regretted that decision. Ellen Bowen has, without a doubt, had the most positive influence on our son. She shares our son’s passion for music, and was quick to see his innate abilities. She mentors him, and supports his dream to, one day be a conductor. She takes a personal interest in her students and wants them all to succeed. She constantly challenges them, and under her tutelage, we are watching our son evolve, into a multi-talented, capable and self confident senior. There is no doubt, she is demanding of her students. What successes in life come easily?

She teaches values, like giving back, and does that by hosting a free concert at Christmas for Senior Citizens in our community. She stresses academics and insists that choir students carry a high grade point average. She offers a community service with her unbelievable shows and musicals of Broadway quality! South choir alumnae come to Ellen Bowen’s shows years after year. Parents of choir alumnae contribute to the Booster organization, long after their children have graduated. The Choir Boosters raise great sums of money to fund the program because they endorse Ellen Bowen. Families are selling their homes and moving out of the North district to be able to get their children into Ellen Bowen’s program or they are requesting special permission to come to South, while living in the North district, merely to allow their children the opportunity to be in Ellen Bowen’s program.

When we go to competitions, I feel sorrow for the children from other schools, who have as much potential as our kids, but not a teacher as capable as Ellen Bowen. They must settle for so much less…they settle for mediocrity. The students of Ellen Bowen shine in the public arena. We are proud to be under the direction of Ellen Bowen.

I believe that all teachers in the system could learn from Ellen Bowen. Why has no other teacher left such a profound mark on either of our children? Our sons have never felt such passion from a teacher. I often wonder, why the math teacher, or the science teacher, or the English teacher, not impact my children to follow their path in life?

Please allow Ellen Bowen to continue her work with the Choir. I trust her completely.