I graduated from CSA in May of 2003 and am now finishing my sophomore year of college at Columbia College Chicago (in Chicago, obviously!) I'm majoring in TV Production with a concentration in Producing/Directing. I've just been elected as the Vice-President of Columbia's Student Government Association. These things might not seem like that big of a deal now, but when I went in to CSA I was failing all of my tenth grade classes and had been kicked out for skipping too much. I was stealing, driving without a license, and hadn't spoken to my mom in 6 months. Through some of my experiences at CSA but mostly the people who worked there, as well as the girls, I became a happier, more mature individual. I have a great relationship with my family and with my mom and couldn't be more excited about the choices that I'm making for my life now. I did a lot of growing up at CSA and while I hated it at the time, I can look back now and be thankful for what it did give me. My life back.
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- Courtney Wylie, CSA Graduate
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It is with an utmost and sincere feeling that we offer our appreciation to the school [Carolina Springs Academy] for giving our son the opportunity for hope. It is truly a miracle that we found this program. It takes much for parents to entrust their child to others. We feel he is in the only place he will be safe other than our home.
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- Kathleen and Tom Johnston, parents of a CSA student
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My stepson is not dead
He does not use drugs
He is not addicted to computer games
He has not flunked out of school
He is not depressed
He is not a danger to himself or others
Without Carolina Springs Academy, many of the above statements would not be true….Our boy is currently at Carolina Springs Academy and doing great. He is happy, healthy, and doing well at school. He is no longer filled with anger. Last time we saw him he hugged us and said he loved us.
CSA Parent
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- Parent of a CSA Student
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A year ago my son was not able to fit into what we know as “our society”. He was angry, dropped out of school, defiant, couldn’t hold a part-time job and just miserably depressed. He scared us and we were worried for his life. He was headed down a path we did not know how to handle. Carolina Springs has saved my son and our family.
[Carolina Springs] works only if the parents, step parents, guardians, siblings and the child in the school work together. In other words, this [school] helps develop whole and happy families. It’s been very difficult but also the most rewarding accomplishment for my son and our family… We have become a family during this whole process. It took our child to rebel to make us look at our lives. It has changed us in a way we would have never dreamt possible. He is happy, healthy and his self esteem is soaring. The campus is beautiful and the children are well attended to. The staff is remarkable. Each one of them has a heart as big as gold. They have always been open about our child and the progress he makes.
Sincerely,
Beth T.
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- Beth T. , Parent of a CSA Student
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I appreciate what you are doing for my son at Carolina Springs. The pictures of Zane I have seen show a happiness that I have not seen in several years. Though my son professes not to like school and asks to come home, I really believe that he knows that this school is where he needs to be. He has seemed more interested in his grades and I have noticed a great improvement. Most of all I appreciate the fact that his life has been cleaned up. Gone are the friends that influenced badly. Gone are the alcohol, tobacco and drugs that were bringing him down. His grades have gone from D’s and F’s to A’s and B’s. Though it was a most difficult decision to place Zane in the school, I now know it was the best choice and probably saved his life. Thanks to all of you there who care enough to give your life in this effort.
Sincerely,
Jim Myers
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- Jim Myers
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My sister Jordan is in a program for troubled teens. The program has saved her life. Before she went to this program, she was using drugs, she was fighting with my parents and she eventually started to physically fight with me. She was so angry most of the time.
Her problems started in the 8th grade...she began making really bad choices. Drugs, bad friends, poor grades, withdrawn and depressed.
She went to a program on Dec. 3rd a year ago. She has learned so much since then. Her life is completely different. I'm so proud of her. I thank my parents for saving my sister's life. You can help your child too and I hope that you do.
Mckenzie ~ Jordan's 12 year old sister
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- McKenzie, Sister of CSA student
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Our son was a student at CSA…He is alive and well because of CSA. The time spent at the school was good for him. It provided him a structured safe environment surrounded by individuals that were focused on his growth and development.
What can I say! We began to see changes in our son toward the end of his tenth grade year. He was not the same boy. We assumed his changes were related to puberty or just growing pains. We trusted him to make the right choices, because we had raised him to make the right choices. Well, he had not. The choices he was making were under the influence of drugs and alcohol. His grades were falling. He no longer took interest in his appearance. He lost interest in sports. He found himself in fights. He was driving while drinking. He was very angry with his family. This sir was not our son. We sought the guidance of a family therapist for approximately three months. But still, he continued to spin out of control.
We realized that the only way he was going to have a chance at the life of his dreams was to remove him from the environment he had created for himself. To get him away from his support - The support that encouraged his lifestyle… It worked. And you better believe we missed our son, but we did not miss the hell in which we were living as we watched him fall apart.
CSA was there. The school allowed him to continue his education as well as evaluate his life and the choices he was making. He received guidance that will remain with him for the rest of his life. Positive guidance and positive experiences. Granted he did not appreciate being pulled away from his home and friends. But so what, at the time he was not thinking properly. His mind was under the control of the drugs and alcohol.
In the six months since graduating CSA, our son has graduated high school and holds a full time job. He plans to attend the community college this fall.
Sincerely,
Lynda D.
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- Lynda D., Parent of a CSA Graduate
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Thank you so much for helping my child deal with her misconceptions...the teenage years are very difficult years. We all need to be accountable for choices in life. I thank God for schools like Carolina Springs.
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- Elizabeth McCotter, Parent of a CSA student
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My name is Tina, and I have a son at Carolina Springs Academy. I’m sending this email to share our experience since becoming a part of the CSA family. At CSA they not only address the childs’ issues, they also give continuing seminars for the parents as well. This equips the family with life changing methods that ensure a stable and healthy household. Instead of a bandage fix, CSA actually stitches the wound, which enables parents and child to heal and grow in a healthy manner. If I had to do the initial enrollment for my son at CSA all over again; the only change I would make would have been to do it sooner. This is by far one of the “best” choices that could have been made for my son. It is my opinion that he will beyond a shadow of a doubt be more equipped for the real world having attended and graduated the CSA program.
Sincerely,
Tina J.
(Proud mother of the CSA family)
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- Tina J., Parent of a CSA Student
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I am writing to let you know that CSA is doing some very needed work. They have been successful in redirecting my son’s life from one of poor choices to one where he stops and thinks and measures his actions against his self developed values. They do not set the values for the kids, but instead make them aware of what it means to have your own values and how to stand in your value and interpret different challenges that cause you to break your values. They balance this being true to yourself with a position of tolerance and respect for people with different values and learn to protect themselves form those who have no values. Many kids learn these things from families, friends, etc. The kids at CSA are a group that did not learn these things first time around.
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- Parent of a CSA Student
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Our 14 year-old son is attending CSA. This past year has been a nightmare involving marijuana, the law, suspension from school, property damage, hospitalization (major bills) with our son. The nightmare didn’t seem to have an end and we were headed for disaster, the first being the breakup of the family and sure to follow would be more trouble with the law. Our son was stealing from us and lying to us. He was in charge and there did not seem to be any choice but to send him to a school for troubled youth. I spoke to former students and parents and received very positive feedback. We love our son and truly feel he is getting the help he needs at this school.
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- Parent of a CSA Student
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This was the only option for our son. He was rejected from several other programs. I feel our son would not be alive today if not for Carolina Springs Academy. A program that is results based, with superior 24/7 care and long term solutions for change… Not only is this program one of recovery and rehabilitation for the child, but for the whole family. There are workshops and seminars that enhance and teach the family to become united and functional. I understand this program may not be for everyone, but it’s the one that saved my son’s life and brought our family together. My son is a completely whole person because of this program. He is confident, loving, joyful and respectful young man.
Sincerely,
Sheila H.
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- Sheila H., Parent of a CSA Student
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We sent a very troubled young boy to CSA 1 year ago. We knew he was lost and drugs were the direction he had turned. At first we were just happy that he was in a safe place. But as time went by the program helped our son grow into a fine young man and we are full of hope once again for our son.
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- Tony Harris, parent of CSA graduate
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The program at CSA works because it changes not just the "troubled teen" but also the family dynamics that allowed for the teens' loss of control. This makes it unique and invaluable.
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- Andrea Harris, Parent of CSA graduate
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Bob Peeler
Former Lieutenant Governor
"As South Carolinians, we are fortunate to have a program available here that teaches teens the importance of personal responsibility, accountability and discipline. Through a vigorous program of performance-based academics, coupled with discipline, physical fitness and parental involvement, teens are able to emerge from Carolina Springs Academy to lead productive lives.
As Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, I deeply appreciate [Carolina Springs Academy's] emphasis on promoting the time-honored values of respect, honor and integrity."
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- Bob Peeler
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We would like to take this opportunity to thank Carolina Springs Academy for the help and assistance you’ve given our daughter. With your help and guidance we feel she will become the real person she is. She has made some very poor choices in the past, but now with the tools you’ve given her and the tools we’ve received from school processes. I cannot thank you enough for. We will all benefit from what we’ve been able to learn from you. A very special thanks to Wanda, her attitude and understanding phone calls pushed us over the top.
Thank you all,
Grey and Deborah Vola
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- Grey and Deborah Vola, parents of a CSA student
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William H. “Billy” O’Dell
South Carolina State Senate
District 4, Abbeville and Anderson Counties
“I was invited to Carolina Springs Academy to join a team of community and civic leaders in judging a student debate on campus. I was most impressed at that time with the professionalism of the administration and staff and was particularly impressed with the conduct and demeanor of the students. They were well behaved, happy and intelligent young people. I learned at that time that Carolina Springs is a Specialty Boarding School for students who may be struggling at home and whose parents have sent them to the school. Since that time, I have been very involved with the school in working with the administration to enhance school programs and offer independent assistance with their operations.
I have spent literally hundreds of hours with the students and staff on choir trips, parades, dinner groups, campus activities, field trips, business meetings or just eating lunch with them in the school cafeteria. Over these past two years, my wife and I have personally enjoyed various off campus dinners and activities with dozens and dozens of students, many of which I have now come to know quite well. In addition, I try to personally meet with each graduate as a part of a presentation of a Senate Certificate.
I often ask the students I meet with to describe their experience at the school. The most common response I get is that it has not been easy, but it has helped turn their life around. I have had students tell me that they believe it has actually saved their life. I have watched as graduates tearfully hug staff, teachers, and administrators in an expression of gratitude before they depart for home with their families. My own observations have assured me that the administration and staff are professional, caring people, who are genuine in their desires to help young people improve their lives.
In addition to my personal involvement with the students, I have also been involved with the state licensure process via the South Carolina Division of Social Services. This is a very detailed and exacting process as qualified state personnel interview students, view charts, and records, and conduct a thorough walk through and examination of all aspects of the campus and the school’s processes. Carolina Springs Academy has been licensed by the State of South Carolina and has been academically accredited for seven years. This is a tribute to the operations of the school and is an additional safeguard to the students and their well-being.
I am grateful for the service being provided to families in need, and render my support on behalf of Carolina Springs Academy.
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- Senator William H. "Billy" O'Dell
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My child spent 23 months under the loving care of Carolina Springs Academy. Prior to the program she was heading for the local morgue. But instead I did what I could, used every resource available including therapist, clergy, threats, punishment and counselors of all different types. When this was exhausted so was I. Making the decision to place my child into the care of strangers to try to straighten out and save what I couldn’t wasn’t easy. What I found out was I was a part of the problem.
This organization engages the entire family in the healing process. Not many programs do that. Through that process I learned more about myself, how to approach the problems and how to get rid of my excess baggage and open up to my child and work with her, not against her….
My daughter has been home 10 months now, and we can talk, interact and work on issues together with a whole new set of goals that include honesty, respect and integrity.
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- Debby C. , Parent of a CSA Graduate
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I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere and heartfelt appreciation to all Carolina Springs staff for their care and commitment to Lindsey’s progress in life. Developing future life leaders is a difficult and challenging task at best and your choice to impact my daughter and family’s progress in the right direction deserves tremendous reward and support. I pray that your continued success in helping shape healthy individual lives will serve to fill you up with a joyful and content spirit as you truly impact our world!
Rick Dye
To each person at Carolina Springs Academy that is spending time encouraging, loving and nurturing our daughter, we would like to thank you for your investment of time and hope. What amazing people you are to care and believe and continue to help my daughter grow and be challenged on her journey. May each of you continue to have the energy and perserverance to do what it takes to make a difference in the life of my child!
We thank you so deeply for your help.
Jill Dye
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- Rick and Jill Dye
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I am writing this letter to you to explain the special gift that my child and our family have been given. Our Son is enrolled at Carolina Springs Academy. It has been a life changing experience for all of us….
Our son has grown in self esteem, maturity, and scholastically is doing better than he ever did in the public school system.
James and Christina
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- James & Christina, Parents of a CSA Student
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Wow! What a day it has been. My son has graduated from CSA today. There are not enough words to express my thanks and gratitude to all of the faculty at CSA. It's a great program with great people. Keep up the good work!
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- Carla Hibbs, parent of CSA graduate
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CSA has changed our entire family and its dynamics for the better. It scares me to think where we might be today without our CSA experience. God bless the staff and family reps who have improved our lives.
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- Charles & Vicki, parents of CSA graduate
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The long journey was well worth the end results we have as a family. We are looking forward to the next phase at home. Thank you for helping to save our daughters life.
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- Kathie Carpenter, Parent of CSA graduate
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CSA has been a wonderful experience for our whole family. I have never once regretted the decision to send our son to the program. We are very grateful to all of the wonderful staff there. Thanks for helping our family become a unit again.
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- Lynne V, Parent of CSA graduate
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My Dearest Megan,
I love you, you are my life and my everything. I will love you as long as the stars light up the heaven, as long as the sun whisks away the darkness of the night and touches the earth with loving warmth and as long as the moon glows it's moon rays on the ocean. When I close my eyes I see your sparkling baby blue eyes, I can smell your thick sandy red-blonde hair and I can see your beautiful smile. Do you know how adorable you are? Do you know how much I miss you making me laugh with your dramatic skits you used to tell? I will always need you in my life and from the bottom of my heart I regret this time we are spending apart, but will relish in the progress you are making and one day will look back on it and say "I saved 'both' of our lives".
I hope you will open up your heart to me. I want to turn red a heart I've made blue. I've always told you, "You hold the key to your future", you also "hold the key to my heart and my happiness". I don't want this great thing that we have always shared together to fall apart, I will always love you because you mean the world to me.
I love you very much!! I miss you and I'm behind every step you are taking at CSA and I am always here for you.
My Precious Daughter
Mommy
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- Crystal McAlexander
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Mom and Dad,
The ones that have always been there for me and never gave up on me. When I was at home you supported me in everything, loved me and just never gave up on me. But all the wrong I did to you, you never even deserved any of it. So I just want to say that, yeah, mom and dad things will be tough but what you two have done about sending me to Carolina Springs has changed my whole outlook on so many things. I wish I could explain how much I love both of you. I will never be able to show anyone how much I love you two. Thank you so much for all you both have done for me. I love you both so much.
Love Autumn Mainer
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- enrolled Carolina Springs Academy
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To my daughter Lauren with all of my love: I thank you my sweet angel for coming into my life. The day you were born and you looked at me with those big blue eyes I knew that my life would never be the same. What a special gift from God! My joy, my dreams and my hopes all wrapped up into one tiny little bundle. Over the years I watched you grow and enjoy life with such zeal. But then came a time of testing for both of us. My "little girl" had hit a big bump in the road on her journey through life. I knew that this was one little starfish I had to save because she had so much more life to live and love to give.
Several months at Carolina Springs Academy have now gone by. Being on this part of your journey with you has been yet another precious gift from above. You are growing and maturing into a fine young lady with respect, integrity and honor. I am proud to call you my daughter, my confidant, my friend.
I will love you always my little starfish,
Mom
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- Lib Munday
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Hey Mom and Dad.
I love you both very much! Thank you for all you have done for me. Happy Valentine's Day!
With Love, Lauren Munday
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- Lauren Munday enrolled CSA
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I take this opportunity to thank the staff of Carolina Springs Academy for their efforts in educating my son, and for such kind words upon describing him. This life training is paramount for my son’s transition to adulthood.
Respectfully,
Tommi Sifontes
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- Tomas Sifontes, parent of CSA student
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Dear Jordan,
You are the love of my life. I was so blessed the day that God gave you to me to raise and nurture. You have brought so many happy days. There have been so many things that you have already accomplished in life that have left me feeling like I am the luckiest mom in the world. Not only do your big hits make me proud and happy, it is the simple things, like your Beautiful Smile and your trade mark facial expressions. What a Mother knows is that the tie that binds us will never be broken. This tie will only grow stronger as time goes by. Although this journey requires change and hard work, I know that we will be so much better equipped to take on what life has to offer. Jordan- Believe this with all your heart.
I LOVE YOU!
Mom
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- Michelle Ledbetter
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Dear Taylor,
For me, February always brings out those ‘straight from the heart' feelings. On February 2nd, seventeen years ago, someone unique and precious came into my life and chose me as her mom. Wow, ME, a thirty-something single, career woman became a parent! I was excited and a little unsure of myself. Then it just happened...I fell completely and totally in love with this tiny being. Taylor, I would swear you looked me straight in the eyes and said, "Yes, I love you and we are connected but don't forget, I am unique and came here with my own purpose." It was a magical moment looking into those eyes that seemingly looked right through me.
This February 2nd is not so different from then. I am still excited and a little unsure of myself as a parent but I still love you with the kind of love I'm not sure anyone quite gets until they've been there. Through this program, I believe we're both learning about our uniqueness as well as our similarities; I'm learning from you as you learn from yourself. Most importantly, I know the same magical child is still right there, never gone, never lost. There are always challenges but it's like the clouds and the sun. While the clouds may cover up the sun for a while, the sun never quits shining with that same intensity and once the clouds are gone, it shines through again. I know you are working hard and allowing more of your genuineness to shine through. I am so proud of you, not for points or levels or any of that, but for the incredibly hard work you are doing. I love you just as much today as that first moment seventeen years ago. So there you have it, Taylor, my precious magical child. Happy Birthday and I love you...straight from my heart!
Toni Guillot Daughter Taylor enrolled Carolina Springs
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- Toni Guillot
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Mom and Dad,
Thank you so much for all that you have done for me over the past years. Thanks for never giving up on me when times got hard. I just want you both to know how much I love and appreciate all the things that you do for me. I love you both so much. Happy Valentines Day!
Love Always and Forever, Christina Gunther enrolled Carolina Springs Academy
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- enrolled Carolina Springs Academy
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To all the staff at CSA,
Thank you for all you do. I want you to know how grateful I am for all you do. I know in my heart how much you love our children. I know that you work very hard to ensure the safety of our kids. Your training and dedication to the kids could not be accomplished without a heart full of love! You have my deepest appreciation for all that you do. I am so grateful to each and every one of you.
With all my love,
Susan L. Smith
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- Susan L. Smith, parent of CSA student
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