ONSC has an intriguing group of supporters who are responsible for many of our successes over the past two decades. And yes - 2011 is our 20th anniversary, which may come as a shock to some of these loyal friends.
This morning, longtime ONSC friends Clayton Eversole and Blanchard Reel asked with genuine interest and enthusiasm about our progress at the Center. They reminisced about the rafters they helped hang in our main building and the reliability of the roof due to their influence. I can assure you, it remains strong these many years later just like their support.
It's an exceptional opportunity for each of us employed at the Ozark Natural Science Center to carry the weight of the vision that these special people had for our organization so many years ago. To think of the small but passionate group that gathered in coffee shops, conference rooms, around campfires and on hikes through the Ozarks plotting what would become ONSC is an amazing inspiration.
Our teacher naturalists guide students through the Bear Hollow Natural Area, ask probing questions in the pavilion and fill our visitors' heads with more questions than answers during their visit. In doing so, they embody the vision that Ken and RuAnn Ewing, the Eversoles, the Reels and so many others had those years ago. Our staff brings their dream to fruition as they live our mission daily.
Thinking of those dreams - that vision, that passion, that commitment to inspiring children and tirelessly teaching others - focuses us every day. Our team is a special breed, and they live and breathe our mission statement. It's exciting that our longtime supporters stay engaged with us. Each of them without fail shares that their hope is for subsequent generations to catch that fever for ONSC. They tell us that they are thrilled to see new faces mingled with the old each year at Call of the Wild. We will most certainly stay true to our mission and the work we set out to do, and we remain appreciative of and committed to those who brought us this far as we look forward with enthusiasm to identify those who will continue to advance our mission in the years to come.
The next twenty years are going to be even more exciting than our first two decades. Join us!
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