Tribute Letters from former Students

Dear Mrs Ragland,
I am sure you had so many students that you wouldn’t remember one from so long ago (would have been the early 90's?) , but your influence just made such an impact on my life! You encouraged me so much in the arts, and you even bought the first painting I ever sold, at the Brooke Thom memorial show. It was an eye with a butterfly on it.

Thank you for being a kind and loving teacher, that sparked a passion for creativity in me.

Today, I'm a successful Car Designer! I went to Art Center College of Design, and also teach there now as an Adjunct Instructor. I get to draw everyday, and I couldn't imagine doing anything else with my life. Thank you so much. I love you from the bottom of my heart.

Laura Jonason

 Hello. I was a student of Mrs.Ragland at Maie Ellis Elementary School when I was in 2nd grade.(best memories) I'm 34 now and I'm an artist. My only art class was from her and who I am today is because of Mrs.Ragland. I became a fashion designer and I love watercolor. I remember drawing upside down,making paper mache hats,Paintimg with acrylic. My family lives in fallbrook away well. I have a daughter with physical disability and our hand therapy is to paint. I would love to fill this void and feel the warmth of art through her eyes again. Show her who I have become and let her know if it wasn't for her i wouldn't be where i am at today.
M. A.