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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p>Dear Federation Family,<o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p>It is with heavy hearts that we regret to share that we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s BELL® Academy in Nebraska. A few key details unfortunately fell through at the last minute, and we do not feel we would be able to provide the quality experience our students deserve.<o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p>We have reached out to the families who had expressed interest and assured them that we will keep them updated on our plans for next year. Our hope is to come back stronger in 2026 with a <strong><span style='font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'>residential program</span></strong> that can serve students from across the state.<o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p>We sincerely appreciate all the support, encouragement, and energy so many of you offered as we worked to make this year’s program a reality. Your commitment to blind youth in Nebraska does not go unnoticed, and we are already looking ahead to what we can build together next year.<o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p>With gratitude,<o:p></o:p></p><p>Jamie K. Richey<o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>