Page 2 - DITR Yearbook 2020
P. 2
From the Desk of Dr. Nicole Steele
Who could have imagined that our 16th year Despite the unexpected challenges we faced
empowering and equipping girls of all ages during the final stretch of our program year, I
would end like this? As this yearbook goes to also sit here with hope, with joy and with a
print we are in the middle of a global heart full of appreciation. I must commend the
pandemic with more than 100,000 precious incredible members of our DITR family for
lives lost nationwide. Who knew that when reminding me of why this organization was
we started this year with big plans and goals, formed in the first place.
that we would wrap up our year this way?
I have witnessed first-hand the power of faith
As I write this, I sit with a mix of emotions. I and family. I have heard from our members
am sad that for the first time in our Diamond and families and been pleasantly surprised at
In The Rough history, we didn’t have a chance how our GEMS and Jewels have shined with
to close out our year the way we have for the brilliance in the face of adversity. I have seen
past 15 years. I am desperately missing the the care shown one for another and felt the
beautiful smiles and big hugs that would love and support our members and mentors
greet me and the other members of our team have extended during times of change. I have
week after week. My heart is heavy for our watched our magnificent team of Jewel
high school seniors who have each worked volunteers adjust without complaint to ensure
hard the past 12 years to make it to this our GEMS feel supported during a time of
point, having to settle for virtual graduations uncertainty. I have seen our parents create
and ending their high school experience in a calm in their homes as they courageously faced
way that were unthinkable. each day. I have had the pleasure of seeing our
GEMS be their sister’s keeper as they extended
support, one towards another.
