Jennifer G.
I am an AACPS: Parent, Sunset Elementary School
In 2008 my youngest child, Tag, was entering his kindergarten year. He was also recently diagnosed with cancer. On August 7, 2008 I heard the worst words a parent can hear, “Your son has cancer.” I didn’t know which end was up. My older son, Marshall, had Carolyn Pillow his kindergarten year and we knew Tag was going to have her as well for his kindergarten year. I reached out to Mrs. Pillow to let her know of Tag’s situation. I barely remember our conversation, I cried for most of it, but I do remember her saying, “Jen, Tag will go to college. I guarantee it.” Those words were so comforting to me. All I was praying for was my son to make through kindergarten but she was planning for many more years ahead. Tag had surgery in early September of that year and immediately began radiation treatments. He had 34 radiation treatments in all. He went everyday at 7:30, Monday through Friday, and then went directly to school afterwards. Mrs. Pillow made sure she pushed Tag to his utmost potential. Mrs. Pillow accepted no excuses, including cancer. Tag was unable to participate in any kind of physical activity while in treatment per doctor’s orders. Mrs. Pillow made sure Tag never felt left out. She always gave him a special job. When Tag was finally released by the doctors for physical activity she planned a “Tag…Run like the Wind Party”. He and all of his classmates partied it up by running like fools throughout the gymnasium. Tag ended his kindergarten year above grade level in both reading and math! He has continued his successes, now a healthy 9th grader at Northeast High School. Tag participates in sports and has maintained his academic successes that were instilled by Mrs. Pillow. Mrs. Pillow is now a dear family friend but I will never forget all of the things she did for Tag during his, and my most, challenging school year. Thank you Carolyn Pillow for being the AWESOME teacher you are. So many AACPS students have benefitted from you being their teacher! I am proud to call you my colleague, my kids’s teacher, and most of all my friend. You are a rockstar!
