[nabs-l] together today we make a better tomorrow.

[Darian Smith]

Dear NABs,
 I wanted to take the opportunity to say a few things:
1. Thank you to each and every person who made convention what it was.  In particular  for this post, thank you to each person who stepped up to   Marshal, deal, record, register connect sound, get door   prizes,    count, set up and clean up.. you are the folks that might not serve with an elected title, but we  can’t do the work  without.
 My Thanks to the hard-working Mary Fernandez and her committee for putting  together a fabulous  class of mentors and mentees. As well, my thanks to each of those Mentors who gave of their time,  and experience to make this program the success that it was. The Mentees need to be thanked as  well, as you are the reason why the program  returned for a second year.
 My  whole-hearted  thanks goes to  the     folks who  came off of the board at this year’s elections. In  Particular Justin Salisbury and Cindy Bennett, both of which have served the organization well prior to serving on the NABS board, and who are fast rising leaders in our movement. Look to  see them as  change-makers and driving forces in our affiliates, and wherever else they may be.
 
 
 To our new Board members Derek manners, James Garret Mooney and Rebecca Leon (of Ma, Az and TN, respectively).
 I know I join the rest of our membership when I say that we look forward to working with you on many great collaborations and making a difference along the way.
 to our hold-overs in Karen, Candice and Cody; thank you for your steady and strong leadership as members of the board, you are the  foundation, the glue that holds things in place   amongst the change, and have held down our efforts on the ground during convention week.  Everything from  managing the  Money, to coordinating youth track activities and    being  solid team players.
 
 Congratulations to Sean for his re-election to the presidency, I’m sure I speak for our  membership when I say that I look forward to   
   a great term filled with improved  communication, collaboration and transparency.  I know that the membership will be ever supportive  in whatever manner the situation calls for.
 Gabe and Bre;   congratulations to    both of you for ascending to the offices of 2nd Vice-President  and secretary respectively.
 You have been  key  young leaders  in our movement for quite some time, and I look forward to the wonderful work you will do to  Make NABS better, and the Federation better as a result.
 To the people who ran for offices but didn’t get them; please don’t get disheartened, instead get involved. 
 Find something you want to latch onto and own it.
 if you can’t  find it,   create it, and  by doing so you will make the lives of  countless students better.
 if you are thinking about involving yourself in the work of NABs and the Federation, I say do it! you won’t regret it; I never once did.
  Yesterday is the history  we’ve made , today   come  the  mysteries     that together we solve, and tomorrow is the gift we give our future; the gift   of love, respect and admiration in the Federation. 
 
   yours in the movement,
  Darian