MS. FORD: And now our esteemed executive director, Bruce Galbraith, has a few closing remarks for us. Thank you.

MR. GALBRAITH: First of all, thank you very much for the recognition and the gift. Karen and I are both children of teachers, and to do what we're doing now is a big thrill for us, and she truly is the engine.

We started a tradition last year and I'm not sure how many we have, but if this is your final year as a head of school, and you're going to retire, would you join me on the stage now, please? Oh, yes, there are a couple of phone calls for a few of you. No, this is a planned retirement, folks. Come on up.

MR. WEAVER: Bruce asked me to speak. I was not prepared, and I so seldom get up in front of large groups and speak. My name is Roger Weaver. I am currently head of Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences in Santa Monica, California, where I came in 1983 as assistant head, became head in 1993, and after 16 years, I decided they can't miss me if I won't go away, so I'm going to do that.
I have had an incredible journey, and it's been a privilege to be part of that institution, all my professional colleagues in other organizations, and certainly this one is prominent among them. Thank you.

MR. GALBRAITH: Keith.

MR. SHAHAN: Hi. I'm Keith Shahan, and I'm finishing my 23rd and last year as head of John Burroughs School in St. Louis, and next year I plan to be -- I will be head of ISACS, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States.

MR. GALBRAITH: On behalf of all of us, but more importantly, of each and every child whose life you positively impacted, thank you both very, very much.

As you know, our dinner wine was underwritten by Greg Papay and Lake/Flato Architects, and Brandi Rickels. If you want to go with them tomorrow on that trip, once again, they're here.

Stand up and let us say thanks to you.

They're an international firm, and there's no reason why we couldn't have them back. And I think the idea of a wine-tasting activity at the dinner next year was a terrific idea.

SPEAKER FROM THE FLOOR: Sold.

MR. GALBRAITH: Pearl Kane, thank you very much. What a great start.

Blair alluded sort of to discretionary funds. You're kind, but it was really a lot more than that. It was a gift from us to you to thank you for your so many years of leadership with the women's seminar and your continuing work in the memorials. Thank you.

And to this yearπs participants - The line you can use -- I don't think I said this in the earlier meeting -- but the line you can use with your friends who didn't come this year, when you meet them, say, "We missed you, but thanks for the extra food," because we have minimums, and we spent them for us.

And so tomorrow morning, 8:00 to 8:45, breakfast with an added omelette station, and a box lunch. When you finish the meeting at noon, please let the folks who are going on the two trips grab theirs first. Then the rest of us please enjoy them for the afternoon.

Breakfast, 8:00 to 8:45, and our first session starts at 8:45. Thank you, and good evening.