Tod Anton's report on Jonathan Pearce LUSD tribute Nov. 16, 2011

On Nov 17, 2011, Tod Anton wrote:

Friends and Colleagues of Jonathan Pearce,

It was a wonderful evening to celebrate the life and legacy of JP. Some of his colleagues who attended with very short notice were DeLora Blalock, Pat Mintiens, Fern Prosser, Lou Womble, Ken Class, Jackie Korbholz, Carlin Jardine, Dean Welin, and Melodie Blowers; I remember chatting with them.

The evening was a catalyst to evoke fond memories of a great man who enriched our lives and had such a positive impact on the schools and community.

Below I share my note of appreciation to Tom Uslan, superintendent; Janet Petsche, associate superintendent; Joan Calonico, principal; and Lisa Walker, administrative assistant. 

They did a marvelous job in honoring Jonathan.

~Tod


Dear Tom, Janet, Joan, and Lisa,

Thank you for a most wonderful and appropriate "Remembering Jonathan Pearce" at the board meeting last night. It was beautiful planned and implemented. Every moment resonated with appreciation for JP and his colleagues who contributed so much to the children and youth of Lincoln Unified. Trustees and district leadership had a long day and night; thank you for inserting "Remembering Jonathan Pearce" into your agenda.

The setting of the Jonathan Pearce Music Center was perfect. Being greeted with signs with Jonathan's face was a special touch. Having JP's framed photo with his cello warmed us. The cello concert by the music staff highlighted your tradition of saluting members with a concert in their favored instrument. Having pictures of Jonathan and musical performance projected during the evening brought him and his contributions to our awakened and treasured memories. The chorus singing the Lincoln High Alma Mater was so impressive and nicely concluded the event. 

Thanks for calling a short recess so JP's colleagues and friends could savor the moment. I know that Mak Pearce felt very good about the tribute to his father and legacy he left.

If Jonathan had been there in body, he probably would have given an understated compliment, "Good show, a high class performance."

The remarks about Jonathan were so perceptive. When you talked about his vocabulary, powerful presence, versatile mind, sense of humor, use of questioning to evoke our deeper thinking, written evaluations, focus on what is best for all concerned -- colleagues in the audience were saying, "Yes, yes, yes." 


The younger staff members and students must have learned more about the nature and culture of our school district.

With great appreciation for your leadership and service, loving Lincoln,

Tod