Dear Sarah,

Your dad and I presented two very deserving graduating students the first of the Sarah Chidgey Scholarships at Spring Branch I.S.D. They attended second grade at Meadow Wood Elementary the first year you taught there. The students expressed their gratitude and stated that there were no words to adequately convey their thanks. A big great thank you to all of Sarah's friends and family who have contributed to this scholarship fund. https://cms.springbranchisd.com/sbef/Donate-Now/Donate-Online Shine Bright Firefly, Shine Bright.

Love,
Mom and Dad

Salma Almasri  and Daniel Radhimzadeh

recipients of the Sarah Chidgey Scholarship 2017

Like Captured Fireflies

by John Steinbeck

In her classroom our speculations ranged the world.

She aroused us to book waving discussions.

Every morning we came to her carrying new truths, new facts, new ideas

Cupped and sheltered in our hands like captured fireflies.

When she went away a sadness came over us,

But the light did not go out.

She left her signature upon us

The literature of the teacher who writes on children's minds.

I've had many teachers who taught us soon forgotten things.

But only a few like her who have created in me a new thing, a new hunger, a new attitude.

I suppose that to a large extent I am the unsigned manuscript of that teacher.

What deathless power lies in the hands of such a teacher.

It is hard to believe that Sarah has been gone for 6 years. Her spirit, however, remains with us along with beautiful memories. At some point during the last month or so of Sarah's life, she shared her concern that she might be forgotten. That conversation led to the idea of setting up a scholarship in her memory for students at Meadow Wood Elementary who she would have known during the time she taught there. Sarah would be happy to know that the scholarship fund is a reality. Thanks to each and everyone of you who have made this possible. Our heart goes out to you.

In fact, the first Sarah Chidgey Memorial Scholarship will be given to one student from Spring Branch I.S.D. this coming May. The scholarship will provide the selected student at least $1000 per year for four years. I know Sarah would be so proud. There will be five additional scholarships provided in the coming years with a duration of four years each. If you would still like to donate, you may at the following link:

https://cms.springbranchisd.com/sbef/Donate-Now/Donate-Online

Sarah also asked to be remembered through "Shine Bright" gifts to the Alamo Heights School Foundation in San Antonio that will be used to support instruction and inspire teachers. We are glad to report that the collected funds were used provide enrichment experiences for at risk elementary students during this past 2016 summer.

Much love always,
Denise, David, Brooke, & Eric

Celebrating Sarah's Birthday - October 19th

Happy Birthday, Sarah, from your friends at Meadow Wood Elementary. We miss you and love you. We'd like to share the poem Sarah's students read December, 2011 when the library in our new building was dedicated to Sarah.

 

Like Captured Fireflies

by John Steinbeck

In her classroom our speculations ranged the world.

She aroused us to book waving discussions.

Every morning we came to her carrying new truths, new facts, new ideas

Cupped and sheltered in our hands like captured fireflies.

When she went away a sadness came over us,

But the light did not go out.

She left her signature upon us

The literature of the teacher who writes on children's minds.

I've had many teachers who taught us soon forgotten things.

But only a few like her who have created in me a new thing, a new hunger, a new attitude.

I suppose that to a large extent I am the unsigned manuscript of that teacher.

What deathless power lies in the hands of such a teacher. 

 

Denise and I recently got an email from Cameron Hammon which we would like to share with you. Attached was a song sung by Cameron entitled "Up to the Mountain." Cameron sings it in such a way that it touches the soul. Hoping that you will have the opportunity to hear this in the near future.

David and Denise Chidgey

I want to tell you the story of how this song got recorded.

As you will notice, I'm singing it quite a bit softer than I usually do, and the way that happened was pretty cool.

So we recorded in a big old house in the woods outside Dallas. We started the vocal for this song late afternoon, and I did a couple performances the way I usually do. Just as it was getting dark (the house was full of giant windows) Josh Moore --who was producing-- asked me to sing it differently. To try to simplify it a bit and lean back into the most basic melody. I was singing in the giant main room of the house -- floor to ceiling windows-- and did two takes just like what you hear on the recording. While I was singing every hair on my body was standing on end, and Josh, in the other room had the same experience. Something magical was happening. Between the two takes Josh and I saw a flash of light in the woods, so bright it looked like a camera flash. We looked closer and realized that the house was surrounded by fireflies.

Josh had no idea of the connection of this song to Sarah and to Fireflies, and he said," I guess all the fireflies are coming to hear you sing."

I will never ever ever forget this experience as long as I live. I hope you like the song and the way it turned out.

All my love to you and David and Brooke,

Cameron

Matt and Cameron Hammon & Alex Dezen of The Rebecca West can be found at https://www.facebook.com/therebeccawest?ref=ts&fref=ts

Love always . . .

Missing you so much Sarah. Love always. Dad, Mom, and Brooke

Sarah's birthday is coming up on Friday, October 19th. To commemorate the day, we would like to share Sarah's favorite cookie recipe with all those who were part of Sarah's life. Oh how she loved to make these delicious cookies for family and friends.

We will be making a batch, while thinking about all the good times. As Sarah would say . . . "Shine bright firefly, shine bright."  David and Denise Chidgey

Sarah's Favorite Gingersnap Cookies 

2  1/4 cups flour

1 cup brown sugar

2 tsp baking soda

1 cup oil

1 tsp ground ginger

1/4 molasses

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 egg

1/2 tsp ground cloves

Sugar (to roll cookie balls in)

1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 375°. Stir together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt. In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, oil, molasses, and egg. Beat well. Add flour mixture and beat well. Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Roll in sugar. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool. Enjoy!!!

Sarah Chidgey Hughes Memorial 5k Run/Walk

This morning's 5k Run/Walk was a huge success by all standards. A large number of runners, walkers, and onlookers were there to provide support for the cause including friends and family, people from St. Lukes and Church of the Reconciliation and Serna Elementary, those that knew Sarah personally and those who didn't. The weather was beautiful and breezy. The route was laid out in a beautiful and hilly area of San Antonio. After the run, there was live music, fun activities for the kids, and food and refreshments under ancient live oak trees. My brother, Joe Chidgey, took great pics which can be seen at: http://chidgey-tjctexas.smugmug.com/Events/2012-Sarah-Chidgey-Hughes-One/22816459_DSRRkB#!i=1830744744&k=22bWqMH . A big thank you to everyone who made this possible. I think Sarah would have been pleased.

David Chidgey