With the 2000 Sydney Olympics approaching, Franklin School in Kearny, NJ had a unique opportunity to be pen pals with members of the Men and Women's Olympic Rowing Team. With the help of Jeff Klepacki and Jennifer Dore, both from Kearny, we were able to make this happen.
Students from the school were given a male or female athlete to write and ask questions about their journey to becoming an Olympian.
Amy Fuller was one of these athletes that participated. Amy was given 85 4th grade students. No short feat they were a lively bunch.
The athletes were simply amazing. They answered their classes questions, usually in one long response. The students were thrilled and couldn't wait to watch their new found friends row in the Olympics.
This is where Amy separated herself from others. Amy received 85 letters from her 4th grade fans asking questions from where did she grow up, how did she get involved in rowing, to how tall she was...
One afternoon, I went to check my mailbox in the main office and there was this large envelope addressed to myself. I noticed that it was from Amy. I opened the envelope wondering what could possibly be inside.
I was stunned to find correspondence to each one of our 85 4th graders. Also enclosed were pins for each of the students and a few autographed photos for their classroom.
I only met Amy a few times, but she is truly an ambassador to the sport. This is a story I felt needed to be shared.
My most sincere condolences to Amy's family.
Sincerely,
Andy Salisbury