In this day and age, a personal letter from someone seems to be a rarity. Not so though with my friend and former neighbor, Sally Howard.

Sally has a hobby of collecting autographs from “Potentially Famous People” and has done it for years, knowing that one day one of these autographs will pay off, whether in notoriety or value. She has hundreds of them filed away in order.

Just recently, Sally told me a story about an unusual experience she had and how it turned out. This is her story:

Sally attended the Michigan State Diving Championship meet in March of this year being her grandson, Cameron, a sophomore, was diving for Grandville High School. She said, “While I was attending, I got the chance of a lifetime to experience the true meaning of what it takes to be outstanding in performance and character. Sally is referring to Will Brenner who is a senior at Huron High School in Ann Arbor, MI.

KENT COUNTY, Mich.-- The search for Kent Intermediate School District's next leader is over.

Grandville Superintendent Ron Caniff will replace Kevin Konarska, who is retiring.  Caniff was the lone finalist left after West Ottawa Superintendent Tom Martin withdrew his application for the job.  Caniff's final interview with the Kent ISD Board was held Tuesday.

“The Board is thrilled to welcome Ron Caniff as the next leader of Kent ISD,” said Kent ISD School Board President Claudia Bajema. “He brings 15 years of experience and the strong support of his peers.

“We are confident that the transition from Kevin to Ron will be very smooth, and that Ron will lead with the talent, energy, and interpersonal skills that we have enjoyed for the past nine years under Kevin’s leadership. We also wish Kevin all the best in the next phase of his life,” she added.

KENT COUNTY, Mich.—The Kent Intermediate School District will continue screening its lone finalist for superintendent.

Monday, West Ottawa Schools Superintendent Tom Martin announced he is withdrawing his application for the job.  Martin was one of two finalists for the position with Kent ISD. 

In a statement released to WZZM 13 Monday, Martin said, “After talking with West Ottawa’s board president who urged me to stay and hearing the same support through numerous emails, notes and phone calls, I’ve decided to withdraw from the Kent ISD search. We have come so far in this district, and with the continued support of staff and community, we can and will build on that improvement for all of our students. College, career and life ready is a vision that’s becoming a reality, and I look forward to continue being a part of that success.”