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

Dear Mrs. Ragland,
I was a 2nd-grade student of yours in 1986-87, and you had a transformative influence on my development as a scientist and artist. I have vivid memories of raising silkworms and tadpoles in your class, which prompted a lifelong fascination with biology. I now lead a research group studying development and regeneration as a professor of biochemistry at the University of Washington.

And your wonderful art lessons! There was a lesson on still life drawing with chalk that we did in the fall, with pomegranates, grapes, and pumpkins. I recall you sponsored my drawing for a children's exhibition in San Diego, which did wonders for my developing sense of self. We still have a small painting of a poppy done by Jack that you gifted to my mom many years ago. I have continued with botanical drawing as an adult, and still think of your early lessons in composition, light, and color.

Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher to me and so many others. I'm so delighted to have come across your website and to have been reminded of that very happy year in your class.

With affection,
Andrea Wills

 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.